If you are a mobile marketer, you probably might have heard about the term SDK, Software Development Kit several times while discussing products and services with a software development team. However, do you know what exactly it is and how important it is in software application development?
In simple terms, SDK empowers software developers quickly to build a gamut of high performing applications for specific software platforms.
Most of the mobile applications need APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and SDKs (Software Development Kits) to enhance app features, add unique app capabilities, and improve app standardizations. Without them, developers would find it challenging to deploy high-performing apps with limited resources.
We are going to share everything about SDK you need to know to improve brand recognition.
What exactly is an SDK- Software Development Kit?
SDK, also known as devkit, is a set of software programs and tools employed by software developers to build custom-made applications for various platforms. The full-suite software module includes everything to create a prolific app, right from code samples, libraries, documentation to technology notes, processes, and guidelines.
There are different SDKs for different platforms, programming languages, and specifications. For instance, to build an Android app, you need an Android SDK tool kit, to integrate with a VMware platform, you need a VMware SDK, or to build wireless products, such as Bluetooth, you need to employ a Nordic SDK.
What does a good SDK look like?
A good SDK provides value to other businesses and their development team outside your organization. They should be part of you but deliver the best services to your associates and clients. An SDK tool’s value is enhanced if they have the following attributes:
- Is simple to understand and easy to employ by outside developers
- Contains comprehensive documentation that explains working of codes
- Does not negatively affect mobile’s battery life, CPU, or data consumption
- Perfectly syncs with other SDKs
- Doubles the value of other applications with their functionality
Why Should You Use SDK?
The advantages of the SDK are unparalleled and distinct. We have highlighted four benefits of SDK for brands:
An SDK Integrates Functionalities Quickly, Making Sale Cycles Shorter
For closing deals quickly and efficiently, smooth integration with customers’ tech stack is essential for any organization. An SDK integrates well-written programming codes supported by a large number of materials to shorten the sales cycle. In addition to this, SDKs help apps to perform better and be more stable by allowing developers to incorporate new features and updates first hand.
SDK Comes with Support Back Up – Faster and Efficient Deployment
It is a fact that on average your app uses around 19 k external SDKs, even more, if it’s a gaming application. Asking your developers to code every single tool from scratch is a waste of time and energy.
Pre-existing SDKs that are publicly available can make your developer’s work easy, and fast. Functionalities like crash reporting, gathering behavioral analytics, and setting mobile notifications are all custom coded in SDKs. It can significantly reduce your developer’s time and the amount of money you spent on him.
For instance, you want to share an image from your app to Instagram directly. Instead of asking your developer to write the coding from the beginning, he can go through Instagram’s SDK toolkit for Android or IOS to find the code that would work for the particular platform. When you build an SDK for your product, you offer the same efficiency to third parties for bridging your mobile app to their apps.
Maximizes Brand Credibility and Audience Reach
There are around 2.2 million efficient apps on Google Play (Android app store) and 2 million apps running on Apple app store. If your app is not efficient and commendable enough, it is more likely going to get lost amid the millions. On the other hand, a high-performing app that is supported by an SDK toolkit stands a higher chance of getting published in Google Play and App Store first.
Additionally, SDK boosts your product’s interoperability, increasing the chances of third-party tools integrating with your app, eventually leading to better exposure and higher brand credibility.
Allows Better Brand Control that Helps Mitigate Risks
Once you deploy an SDK tool, you have better control over the components of your user interface that integrates with other apps. This control enables you to regulate not only how your product works with third-party apps but also how it looks and provides a user experience. Furthermore, an SDK toolkit supported mobile application remain secure from fraudulent activities or from being meddled with. On the whole, it offers unbroken user experience.
Build Customized App Experience for Your Users
A set of helpful tools and functionalities can affordably increase the versatility of your app. Software Development Kit lets you provide unique but relevant app experience tailored for your app users. It defines a purpose and design for your app.
A customized app experience invariably boosts app retention and mobile behavior.
Difference between API and SDK
Many of you may wonder, what the major difference between API and SDK is when API is also known to provide a user experience.
In simple words, API (Application Programming Interface) is the link between two parts of the software. You can say it establishes communication between two apps.
The work of APIs is to pass the request of one app/ software to another app/software and bring back the response.
For instance, your movie ticket app communicates with Google Calendar through an API. So, when you book a ticket, it syncs with your calendar and notifies you when it’s time to begin.
On the other hand, SDK (Software Development Kit) has the required mediums (one or more APIs) to establish communication between two apps as well as tools and features (code libraries, documentation, guidelines, and notes, etc.) to build an entirely new app.
Essentially the API is a part of an SDK while an SDK can contain more than one APIs.
It’s Important to Choose a Good SDK
The two main aspects that you must consider while choosing an SDK, Software Development Kit are data and security. You must ensure that the SDK you use is not only high in speed but also protects your data and information. Finally, the mobile SDK you seek must also value opt-in mobile and permission-based solutions.
Mobile SDKs can launch several opportunities for brands to reach out to more consumers on their own. You must talk to your mobile application development company about providing a functional toolkit that third-party apps can also integrate with.
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