In software development, an SDK stands for a "Software development kit", so a mobile SDK is one of these kits designed specifically around mobile. An SDK is a collection of tools, libraries and other documentation and resources that can be used to help create applications. These resources might include debugging tools, compilers, or simulators.
When discussing SDKs, there are some closely related concepts that often overlap and can leave new developers confused. We will go over the difference between libraries, frameworks and APIS
An SDK differs from API and libraries by being a complete toolkit that contains all the parts needed to create and integrate with a specific platform. You can think of it as SDKs contain APIs and libraries, but libraries and APIs don't contain SDKs.
Another similar topic people sometimes confuse with SDKs is Frameworks, such as Flutter or React Native. Frameworks are a foundation on which you can build your application. They provide you with reusable components (such as buttons, input fields for forms or app bars) and often design patterns and architectural decisions. The big difference is an inversion of control. You are following its rules, and it calls your code.
Here is a summary table to reference:
ToolWhat It IsWho Controls Flow?Includes?ExamplesSDKFull toolkit for building featuresDeveloperAPIs, libraries, docs, toolsFirebase SDK, Stripe SDKAPIInterface to connect two systemsDeveloperEndpoints & rulesREST API, Google Maps APIFrameworkStructured foundation for appsFramework controls flowComponents, architectureFlutter, React NativeLibraryReusable code you callDeveloperFunctions/classesRetrofit, Glide
There are many benefits to using mobile SDKs, one of the key benefits is faster development time. Developers can use the features of the kit to avoid recreating functionality from scratch, stopping them from having to reinvent the wheel for each application. An increase in development time means reduced development costs, another important benefit.
SDKs can have built in security features, helping developers add in encryption, token management and secure transactions leading to better and more secure features that could have had flaws if developed from scratch.
They also allow for easier access to advanced features such as geolocation, push notifications or inbuilt payment systems, giving users a better and more polished experience.
Below are some examples of different SDKs available for use in mobile apps:
Many apps need to handle payments either for purchases or subscriptions. Stripe offers SDKs for Python, Java, PHP and many other server-side languages and for mobile, they have IOS, Android and React Native and Flutter SDKs available, helping in integration with Apple Pay and Google Pay with Native UI elements and simplified security for payments.
Other examples of mobile payment SDKs include Apple Pay, Google Pay Merchant SDK and PayPal.
OneSignal offers SDKs for developers to help manage push notifications, both in-app and SMS messaging. For cross-platform development, having a single SDK that can integrate with multiple platforms allows for faster and more consistent messaging across devices.
Other Examples Include: Firebase Cloud Messaging
Google offers a map SDK of its well-known Google Maps, this is what allows integration on web pages and apps with Google Maps, allowing developers to pinpoint locations if needed in their development.
Other Examples Include: Mapbox, Apple's Navigation SDK for IOS
Google AdMob allows mobile app developers to easily monetise their applications via advertising using Google API's and tools to make their applications start earning ad revenue.
Other Examples Include: Meta Audiance Network
