DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN API AND AN SDK?

Posted by Technbrains on May 24th, 2021

Software development Kits (SDK) and Application Programming Interfaces (API)both have different roles in the Software development process. Since there is a lot of overlap between the two, it can be confusing to understand the difference. Understanding how an API and SDK differ and function can help you decide which one is required for your project.

What is an API?

API is an acronym for Application Programming Interface. But that in it itself does not say much. So let’s break down the name. You may already know that an application is a program designed for a specific task. Well, a JavaScript API allows your application to interact with an external service using simple commands. The interface is the place where all components interact. To sum it up, an API enables developers to add specific features to their applications and significantly speeds up the development process.

Think of APIs like the menu in a restaurant. The menu provides a list of dishes you can order and their description. When you order a dish from the menu, the restaurant knows that dish and serves it to you. You might not know how the restaurant prepares that dish, but that does not matter as long as it’s tasty. 

What is an SDK?

An SDK is a “complete one-stop solution” for creating applications. It’s usually a package developers can install to assist with the development of new software. An SDK package usually comes with the collection of tools and APIs developers need to integrate a particular function or use-case into an app. Generally, an SDK is comprised of everything you need to create a specific module within an app, including libraries, tools, sample code, documentation, and even APIs.

SDKs typically include in their architecture an integrated development environment (IDE) that serves as the central interface for programming. IDEs include a programming window for writing source code, a debugger, and a visual editor that enables developers to create and edit the program’s graphical user interface (GUI).

SDK Vs. API

What may be confusing to some is that SDKs typically contain APIs. As mentioned, an SDK is a tool kit that, among other things, includes instructions that allow developers to create applications. Naturally, when a developer uses an SDK, it needs to be able to communicate with other applications. As such, an API is used for this functionality. However, the distinction lies in the fact that while an API is used for communication, it cannot be used solely to create an application.

In the context of web development, SDK and API are suitable for different use cases:

Web APIs are typically light-weighted and serve specific purposes. SDKs can be heavier and comprehensive.

With Web APIs, it’s easy to update. In many cases, the APIs users don’t need to update their code to take advantage of the improved APIs. With SDKs, the users typically need to download the improvements to their local environment and rebuild their app.

The SDK works better for users who are using a programming language that SDK supports; and whose app needs to work standalone without a network. The Web API works better for users who want a quicker implementation, and the barcode recognition plays a small part in their app.

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