If you’re interested in mobile app development, you’ll need to know what a mobile software development kit (SDK) is. SDKs are essential tools used in app development projects. They aren’t just used for mobile apps either. SDKs are a huge part of web development, too.
Let’s explore mobile SDKs. First, we’ll explain what an SDK is and why they are so important in developing mobile apps. Next, we’ll explain why you must use a mobile SDK and other top development tools to build a stunning User Interface.
What Is a Software Development Kit?
SDK is an acronym that stands for software development kit. An SDK is a downloadable software package for creating applications on an Android or iOS device. There is a wide variety of SDKs available for developers to use. As we touched on in the introduction, there are SDKs for mobile and web apps, but there are also SDKs that help developers build products and applications for specific platforms, services, and mobile devices. These SDKs often include code samples to simplify the integration process and save time.
For example, if you want to create a Bluetooth product or app, there is an SDK to make the development job more accessible. Likewise, if you were building an app for the Android platform or iOS, there are other SDKs for those projects, too. So, no matter what mobile device or platform your software developer wants to build for, there is a mobile SDK with code libraries and other resources to make the task easier.
Developers often use SDKs to easily implement HiTech features without writing code to power functionality in their mobile apps. For example, developers would use an Augmented Reality software development kit to quickly add AR features to their projects.
There is a mobile SDK specifically tailored to almost every platform, project, product, or feature. Now that you know more about SDKs, we can review what they do.
An easy way to think about a mobile SDK is to think of a first aid kit. Inside the first aid kit, you have several different resources, such as bandages, gauze, aspirin, etc. A software development kit is very similar. Inside a mobile SDK, you typically will have:
- APIs
- Code Library
- Documentation
- Tutorials
- Debugging
All of these individual tools help developers create software products. In fact, on any development project, your project management team lead may decide that it is in the project’s best interest to use multiple SDKs.
Types of Mobile SDKs
SDKs come in various types, each tailored to provide specific functionalities that enhance apps. Here are some common types of mobile software development kits:
- Ads & Monetization SDKs: These SDKs enable developers to integrate advertising and monetization features into their apps. Whether it’s banner ads, interstitial ads, or rewarded videos, these SDKs help app developers generate revenue.
- Analytics SDKs: Understanding user behavior and app performance is crucial. Analytics SDKs provide insights into app usage, user engagement, and performance metrics, helping developers optimize their apps for better user experiences.
- Non-native Development SDKs: For developers who prefer using technologies like JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, non-native development SDKs offer a way to build apps without relying solely on native code. This flexibility can be particularly useful for cross-platform development.
- Payments SDKs: Integrating secure payment gateways is essential for apps that facilitate transactions. Payments SDKs allow developers to add payment processing capabilities, ensuring users can make purchases safely and conveniently.
- Notifications SDKs: Keeping users engaged and informed is easier with push notifications. Notifications SDKs enable developers to send timely updates, promotions, and event reminders directly to users’ devices.
By leveraging these various types of mobile SDKs, developers can enhance their apps’ functionality and user engagement, making them more robust and versatile.
How to Choose the Right Mobile SDK for App Developers
Picking the right SDK for platform-specific mobile applications will depend mainly on the nature of your mobile development project. For example, if you’re building an Android app, you will want to use an Android SDK toolkit. Likewise, if you develop an iOS app, you will need an iOS SDK.
Since your project could very well be using more than one mobile SDK, it is essential to make sure you choose quality SDKs to use in your project. Here are some things that you should consider and look for:
- Is the SDK easy to use?
- Does it provide thorough documentation?
- Does it negatively affect device or app performance?
- Does it work well with other SDKs?
Thoroughly review the performance history of all SDKs used in your project. For example, stability issues in the mobile SDK used to develop your could lead to your app crashing and jeopardizing all of the hours that went into development.
Why are SDKs so Important for Mobile Software Development?
The importance of SDKs in mobile development comes down to two main benefits:
- More efficient development
- Faster deployment
SDKs can also enhance existing apps by adding new features and functionalities. The average mobile app uses anywhere from 7 to 18 SDKs. The average Android app mobile game typically uses even more SDKs than this. Coding every tool and feature in your app from scratch would take developers excessive time.
There is no reason for your developers to code standard features already built. For example, let’s say that you want your users to be able to share photographs they take in your Android app directly to Instagram, Facebook, or another social media platform.
Instead of writing the code for this feature, your developers could use the Instagram Android SDK toolkit to get the code necessary to enable it on an Android device. A mobile SDK speeds up the pace of development and ensures that you are using well-written, highly-developed code, which leads to great product design and allows you to deploy your app faster.
Considering all of the standard features that your app will require, using SDKs in development is a no-brainer. There is no reason to reinvent the wheel. If you don’t utilize SDKs in development, you will lose valuable time to market and spend more on development costs.
Many software development kits are free because companies want to encourage app developers and users to use their platforms and services. Plus, since these SDKs are so widely used and readily available, your developers know they are using a quality tool that works at a high level.
Modern mobile development would take much longer and cost more if not for software development kits. As long as your team takes the time to understand how your SDKs will work together and how they will affect your app’s performance, there is little to no downside to using mobile SDKs.
Mobile Development with SDKs
Mobile SDKs are pivotal in accelerating mobile development and enhancing the overall functionality of mobile applications. Here’s how they make a difference:
- Save Time and Resources: Mobile SDKs come with pre-built functionalities, which means developers don’t have to start from scratch. This not only speeds up the development process but also reduces the resources needed for custom development.
- Enhance App Functionality: With a wide range of features available, mobile SDKs enable developers to create more innovative and user-friendly apps. Whether it’s integrating social media sharing, adding augmented reality features, or enabling in-app purchases, SDKs provide the necessary tools.
- Improve App Performance: Mobile SDKs are optimized for performance, ensuring that apps run smoothly across various devices and platforms. This optimization helps in delivering a seamless user experience, which is crucial for app success.
- Increase App Reach: By incorporating features that might not be possible with native development alone, mobile SDKs help expand the app’s reach and engagement. For instance, a notifications SDK can keep users engaged with timely updates and promotions.
Incorporating mobile SDKs into your development process allows you to build high-quality apps that meet the evolving needs of users while also reducing development time and costs. By leveraging these powerful tools, developers can focus on what truly matters: creating exceptional mobile experiences.
Final Thoughts
Mobile software development kits are crucial tools in development projects. However, when beginning mobile development, you are faced with many different choices.
Please contact an app development partner if you need help sifting through the vast information and finding the correct mobile SDK for your development project.
