SDKs are typically designed for a specific environment and programming language. This ensures that the package will work for the target platform, but limits the overall pool of programs that can use it.
APIs are independent of platforms, programming languages, and frameworks. This provides more flexible access to the same data.
Size
The SDK is a massive set of tools, so it requires a lot of space to install. For example, the Android SDK takes up about 50 GB (depending on the version). Fortunately, you don't have to download all the components of the package.
APIs, on the other hand, do not take up disk space and are well optimized - they include only the parts necessary to perform their functions. It is a very flexible tool that can be quickly changed or adapted if necessary.
At the same time, SDKs and APIs differ in complexity, scope of application, level of abstraction, and other characteristics.
Symbiosis of SDK and API
SDKs and APIs are complementary approaches that, when used together, create a powerful development ecosystem.
Combining the strengths of SDK and API provides the following benefits:
Accelerated development. Ready-made SDK components combined with API functionality significantly speed up programming. This combination allows developers to focus on the unique features of the application.
Increased flexibility and customization. The SDK provides a solid foundation for project development, while the API offers smooth integration with external services and applications. This helps create flexible applications targeted at a specific user group.
Simplified software support. The modular design of the API and comprehensive SDK resources make it easy to update and maintain applications. This allows developers to easily adjust their projects without changing much of the code and losing relevance for users.
What to choose
Despite many differences, API and SDK also have similar features:
Help integrate the software being developed with programs and services from other developers and suppliers
These are unified developments offered on a paid or free basis.
They make the programming process much easier by eliminating the need for developers to write code from scratch.
Therefore, the choice of tool depends only on the specific tasks and resources of the IT project.
For example, if you need to integrate third-party application features into your software, you should australia school email list choose an API. If you need to add code or create applications from scratch, an SDK is a better choice.
However, in most cases, you don't have to choose - many projects use both of these tools. To create a new application, you most often use the SDK, but to expand the software's functionality, you can always add third-party API calls to its code.
Conclusion
Thus, SDK and API help to implement interaction between software created by different vendors. Each approach has its advantages in the areas intended for them.
In this article, we looked at the various pros and cons of both approaches in different situations using examples.
Choosing a more optimal approach will save the developer's resources (time, man-hours, etc.) and will contribute to greater software reliability and lower cost of support in the future.
At the same time, when developing software containing a large set of functions, you can use several SDKs or implement interaction with third-party software or systems through several APIs.
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