What is an API?
Application Programming Interface or an API is a set of rules that allows one application to communicate with another. It defines how to send requests and receive responses, typically over a network. Key characteristics:- Facilitates communication between systems.
- Exposes specific functions or data.
- Requires manual implementation such as building request payloads, handling errors.
- Typically language-agnostic such as example, REST, GraphQL.
What is an SDK?
Software Development Kit or an SDK is a comprehensive set of tools that helps developers build applications for a specific platform or service. It often includes APIs, libraries, documentation, and utilities. Key components:- APIs and wrapper libraries.
- Code samples and documentation.
- Tools like compilers or debuggers depending on the platform.
- Language-specific support such as Android SDK for Java/Kotlin, iOS SDK for Swift.
API vs SDK: A quick comparison
| Aspect | API | SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Enables interaction between systems | Facilitates application development |
| Scope | Focused on specific functionality | Comprehensive toolkit, often includes APIs |
| Ease of Use | Requires manual setup | Provides abstractions and ready-to-use code |
| Language Support | Typically language-agnostic | Usually language-specific |
| Included Tools | None | Often includes debuggers, emulators, etc. |