SDK
A Software Development Kit (SDK) is a collection of software tools, libraries, documentation, code samples, and guides that developers use to build applications for a specific platform, framework, or hardware. It provides pre-built components and APIs to simplify development, reduce coding effort, and ensure compatibility with the target environment. SDKs are essential for integrating third-party services, developing platform-specific apps, or working with specialized hardware.
Developers should use an SDK when building applications that need to interact with a specific platform (like iOS or Android), service (like AWS or Google Maps), or hardware (like IoT devices). It saves time by providing ready-to-use tools and ensures adherence to platform standards, reducing errors and compatibility issues. For example, using the Android SDK is crucial for developing native Android apps with access to device features.