Software development kit facts for kids

A Software Development Kit (often called an SDK) is like a toolbox for computer programmers. It's a collection of special tools that help them build computer programs and apps. Imagine you want to build a treehouse; an SDK gives you the hammer, saw, and nails you need. These toolkits often include things like a compiler (which turns code into a program) and a debugger (which helps find mistakes in the code). SDKs are usually made for a specific type of computer or phone and its operating system, like Android or iOS. Many app creators use SDKs to add cool features like ads or messages that pop up on your screen.

Some SDKs are absolutely needed to make an app for a certain platform. For example, if you want to make an Android app using the Java programming language, you need a Java Development Kit. To create apps for Apple's iOS devices, the iOS SDK is a must-have. For apps on the Universal Windows Platform, developers might use the .NET Framework SDK. There are also SDKs that add extra features to apps. These can help collect information about how an app is used or offer ways for the app to make money. Big companies like Google, Smaato, InMobi, and Facebook create many of these types of SDKs.

What's Inside an SDK?

An SDK can be as simple as a set of application programming interfaces (APIs). These are like instruction manuals that let different software pieces talk to each other. They often come as libraries of ready-to-use code that programmers can add to their projects. Or, an SDK can be more complex, including special tools for specific hardware, like devices built into other systems.

Common Tools in an SDK

SDKs often include helpful tools such as:

• Debugging tools: These help programmers find and fix mistakes (bugs) in their code.
• Utility programs: These are small programs that do specific tasks to help with development.
• Integrated Development Environments (IDEs): An IDE is like a complete workshop for programmers. It combines many tools into one program, making it easier to write, test, and debug code.

SDKs might also come with example software, technical notes, and tutorials. These extra materials help explain how to use the main tools and features.

Licenses and Safety

SDKs often come with special rules called licenses. These licenses explain how the SDK can be used. Sometimes, an SDK's license might not work with the license of the software you want to build. For example, a private SDK might not be usable for free software projects. On the other hand, an SDK with a GNU General Public License might not be suitable for creating private, paid software. However, SDKs under the GNU Lesser General Public License are usually fine for private software development.

Sometimes, if a technology is very new, an SDK might even include actual hardware. For instance, in 2012, the AirTag company's near-field communication (NFC) SDK included both parts of the hardware needed to send and receive NFC signals.

SDKs in Mobile Apps

On average, an Android mobile app uses about 15 different SDKs. Gaming apps tend to use even more, around 17 different SDKs. The most common types of SDKs found in Android apps are those for collecting data (analytics) and showing advertisements.

SDKs can sometimes be risky because they run their own code inside an app. Some SDKs, even if not meant to be harmful, can accidentally affect users' data privacy. They might also slow down an app's performance or even cause the app to be removed from app stores like Google Play or the App Store. Newer technologies now allow app developers to keep an eye on and control the SDKs in their apps in real-time.

Examples of SDKs

Here are some examples of Software Development Kits used for different platforms:

• AmigaOS NDK
• Android NDK
• iOS SDK
• Java Development Kit
• Java Web Services Development Pack
• Microsoft Windows SDK
• VaxTele SIP Server SDK
• Visage SDK
• Vuforia Augmented Reality SDK
• Windows App SDK
• Xbox Development Kit

See also

In Spanish: Kit de desarrollo de software para niños

• Game development kit
• Widget toolkit