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Glossary · Other

SDK

Software Development Kit

In plain language

A bundle of tools and code that lets a developer build software for a particular platform or service.

The metaphor

Like a flat-pack kit with every fitting and the instructions included: the builder gets what the maker supplies to assemble something that fits.

Going deeper

How it works

  • Contains code libraries, examples and documentation.
  • Each platform or service offers its own, such as for phones or payments.
  • Using it speeds up the work and keeps the result compatible.
  • A flaw in an SDK reaches every app built with it.
In practice
  • A developer adds a payment provider's kit to an online store.
  • A phone app uses the maker's kit to reach the camera.
  • A security alert reports a flaw in a widely used kit.

A question owners ask

Why does this matter to an owner?

Custom software depends on these kits, so updating them is part of keeping your software safe.

Related terms
AIArtificial IntelligenceBASHBourne Again ShellCMSContent Management SystemDLLDynamic Link LibraryHTMLHypertext Markup LanguageIEEEInstitute of Electrical and Electronics EngineersIMInstant MessagingMLMachine Learning

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