SDK and API are 2 different essential tools you can see in modern software development. There are many public APIs you can find on the internet. They have many things in common, and occasionally it’s unclear for some, what each one does. Fundamentally, both the SDK and the API let you easily increase the functionality of your application. It’s critical to comprehend how SDK vs API function on the server, how they differ, and how they add to the whole development process to fulfill the goal of either or both and enhance the experience for end users as well as internal users.
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What Is An SDK?
SDKs or Software Development Kits are a collection of software development tools for a particular platform. These tools include building blocks, debuggers, and frequently a framework or collection of code libraries, such as a set of operating system-specific functions (OS).
Suppose you create an application and want to include a translator. You can create it from scratch, but it would take a lot of time, skill, and money. Using Google’s Translator SDK would be a simpler and less expensive choice.
What Is An API?
API or Application Programming Interface is when a client and server of an application can communicate data quickly and easily. Unlike an SDK, there’s no installation needed. The service provider entirely decouples the client from the API logic. APIs help create a flexible, loosely linked architecture. The provider is responsible for maintaining the API code because it is on the server. Due to this dependence, we must be careful to select a reputable source and be on the lookout for updated versions.
An API can be thought of as a type of contract between two parties. The API specifies how information should be sent in addition to enabling on-demand information sharing.
An API contains an interface that you can access directly or another interface that you can access indirectly. APIs also contain documentations and specifications that tell you how to use that API.
What Are The Different Types Of API?
There are many types of APIs. You can choose your API according to your requirements. Following are some of the APIs for different use cases.
- Web APIs: APIs that communicate with web browsers and other devices or create independent web service applications.
- SOAP APIs: SOAP APIs are useful in situations where security and privacy are very important.
- Open APIs/RESTful APIs: People choose these for simplicity of use and to make the most of available bandwidth.
- JSON-RPC: This is extremely useful when you need asynchronous server connections.
- Custom APIs: For the greatest adaptability to all the shifting aspects of program development, one can use custom APIs.
What Are The Benefits Of SDK?
- One benefit of an SDK is simplicity. Through their integrated development environments, developers may easily download and install an SDK and begin creating applications for the selected platforms. An SDK may also include APIs to add interface functionality. The following are some more benefits:
- SDK gives access to the instructions and component pieces needed to construct software. For instance, a retail SDK that takes in everything you’d want for your app like a checkout component.
- Integrations that go more quickly and smoothly are possible by SDKs.
- SDK makes shorter product development cycles, more effective product deployment, and market entry. Since an SDK is designed to educate, enable, and offer development shortcuts, developers may concentrate on creating the planned product.
- SDKs eliminate the need to pay outside for help or look for solutions because SDKs already contain pre-built code samples by experts and there is plenty of support documentation.
- All that we discussed so far makes it easier for you to stick to a predetermined budget both during development and after deployment.
What Are The Benefits Of API?
- APIs facilitate seamless software applications and service integration.
- They expose specific platform features and secure data without the need for special integrations.
- An API can support distributed application architectures and manage internal communications.
- They have a high development cycle productivity thanks to APIs’ high degree of reusability.
- Reduced expenses because using API endpoints doesn’t require any special development work.
- Data you get via APIs allows for simple integration of data reporting and analytics features.
- APIs can be used with any kind of platform, device, or service because they are platform-neutral.
What Are Some Examples Of An SDK vs. API?
Examples Of SDK
A number of SDKs are available from Stripe, a well-known online payment processing provider, to integrate its services. They function as wrappers around the primary Stripe APIs. Mobile developers have the option to use Stripe iOS and Stripe Android SDKs.
Twilio is a text, chat, voice, and video communications API. In addition to its fundamental REST APIs, the API-first platform provides a number of extensions. Twilio offers an iOS SDK, an Android SDK, and a JavaScript library for each service it provides under a functional division of its SDKs. For instance, Voice over IP (VoIP) is integrated with Android apps using the Twilio Programmable Voice SDK for Android.
Android SDK from Google and the iOS SDK from Apple are popular SDKs for mobile development. For desktop app development, Microsoft’s .NET SDK can be used. Moreover, to build software components in a simplified, standardized manner, programmers employ language-specific SDKs such as Java Development Kit (JDK) or Java SDK.
Examples Of API
Custom maps and weather forecasts can be added to software programs and web pages using mapping and weather APIs. Examples include the OpenStreetMap API, the OpenWeatherMap API, and the Google Maps API.
Payment APIs to enable payments between various suppliers. Examples include Square, PayPal, KeyPay, and Stripe.
Open Science Framework API and other scientific services are used to connect open-source research studies and information.
SDK vs. API – What Is The Difference And How To Choose?
Because SDKs frequently include an API, there isn’t a straightforward way to explain how they are different.
Applications need to connect when a developer uses an SDK to build systems and develop applications. To enable that connectivity, an SDK has an API. The API, however, cannot build a new application as the purpose of API is communication between services.
The main distinction is that an SDK consists of tools, components, and code pieces that have been developed with a specific goal in mind, whereas an API is only an interface for just a service.
You do not have to pick between an SDK and an API. You may choose to create an API, utilize one that is already available, or use an SDK that is already available and contains one or more APIs in a variety of situations.
For instance, while developing a website, you must first decide what features you want to include and then decide which APIs you require to make those features real. After choosing that, you must choose whether to use the SDK offered by the company, which frequently contains the API as well as other tools, and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is SDK the same as API?
An SDK is a development kit that makes it easier to use an API, whereas an API is a collection of libraries that make up the base language and are usable right out of the box.
What does SDK mean?
SDK is a collection of software development tools for a particular platform. These tools include building blocks, debuggers, and frequently a framework or collection of code libraries, such as a set of operating system-specific functions (OS).
What do API and SDK stand for?
API stands for Application Programming Interface and SDK stands for Software Development Kit.
Why should you choose APILayer for your APIs?
With a concentration on reliability, scalability, and quality, APILayer is a strictly regulated API marketplace. It makes it easier for individuals to build the next big thing while allowing API developers to monetize their APIs with just one API key and SDK.
APILayer is a dominant player in the API area with over 15 years of experience in designing and implementing several APIs. Developers have the opportunity to advertise and profit from their proprietary APIs in addition to accessing premium private APIs through the APILayer marketplace. The goal of the APILayer marketplace is to increase the accessibility and usability of service and data APIs. In as little as 10 minutes, developers of all skill levels can build scalable apps and integrate API capabilities.