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What is an SDK?
An SDK is a toolkit of ready-made code that helps developers build apps for a certain service or platform.
- Category Building with AI
- Also called software development kit
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
SDK, explained simply
SDK stands for software development kit. It is a bundle of code, tools and guides that make a task easier.
It matters because it saves developers time. Instead of writing everything from scratch, they use the kit.
For example, an AI company might offer an SDK in Python. A developer adds a few lines and can talk to the AI model.
You usually don't touch an SDK as an everyday user. It sits inside the apps you use.
On ITG Now, our free tool guides mention SDKs when a project asks you to install one before you can run it.
Related terms
APIPackage managerPythonnpmAPI key
Where you'll see it on ITG Now
Questions people ask about SDK
SDK vs API: what is the difference?
An API is the set of rules to talk to a service. An SDK is a toolkit that makes using that API easier.
Is an SDK free?
Many are free and open source. The service behind it may still charge.
Do I need an SDK to use an API?
No. You can call an API directly, but an SDK usually makes it simpler.