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Technical Vocabularyabbreviation · /ˌes.diːˈkeɪ/

SDK

In simple English

An SDK is essentially a pre-packaged collection of everything you need to develop software for a particular system. Unlike an API, which defines how to communicate with a service, an SDK includes the API along with additional resources like example code, compilers, emulators, and reference documentation. SDKs are provided by companies to make it easier for third-party developers to build on their platforms. For example, Apple provides the iOS SDK so developers can create iPhone apps, and AWS provides SDKs in multiple programming languages so developers can integrate AWS services into their applications. In your daily work, you might download an SDK, install it on your machine, and then use its tools and libraries to write code that interfaces with a platform or service.

Users want to understand what an SDK is, find SDKs for specific platforms, and learn how to install and use them.

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility4/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓Have you downloaded the latest SDK?
✓We are integrating the payment SDK into our app.
✓The SDK documentation is really helpful for this.

Real examples

in a standup

"We downloaded the Stripe SDK yesterday and started integrating payment processing into the checkout flow."

in a code review

"Make sure you are using the latest version of the Android SDK to avoid compatibility issues."

in a team meeting

"The marketing team wants us to use their analytics SDK so we can track user behavior across all platforms."

Don't say this

Handle with care. SDK is a noun and abbreviation—do not use it as a verb. Do not confuse with API, which is the interface itself rather than the package containing tools.

✕We need to SDK the new feature.
✓We need to use the SDK to build the new feature.— SDK is a noun (a package of tools), not a verb. You do not SDK something; you use an SDK.
✕The API and SDK are exactly the same thing.
✓The API is part of the SDK. The SDK also includes documentation, examples, and other tools.— While related, an API is just the interface specification, while an SDK is a complete development package that includes the API and more.
✕I installed the SDK for Android on my Mac.
✓I installed the Android SDK (or Android development tools) on my Mac.— While the first is commonly understood, the second is more precise because the SDK includes platform-specific components.

Other forms

noun

SDK

"The iOS SDK provides all the tools needed to develop iPhone applications."

noun (expanded)

Software Development Kit

"The Software Development Kit contains libraries, documentation, and sample code."

Often used with

download an SDKVery common phrase meaning to obtain and install an SDK from the internet
integrate an SDKTo add an SDK and its tools into your project so you can use them
SDK documentationThe guides and references provided with an SDK that explain how to use it
mobile SDKAn SDK designed specifically for developing mobile applications
third-party SDKAn SDK provided by an external company, not the main platform creator

Similar words

development toolkitA more formal or descriptive way to say SDK; less commonly used in modern tech
frameworkSometimes similar but usually refers to a specific structure for building apps, whereas SDK is broader and includes more tools

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your manager asks you to set up the development environment. How do you respond?

Complete the sentence

2. Before we can build the Android app, we need to install the _______ on all developer machines.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses SDK incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English using SDK: 'We need tools and code samples to help us build the app for iPhone.'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "sdk" in a standup this week?

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