SDK (Software Development Kit)

An SDK (Software Development Kit) is an integrated collection of tools that a developer can use to create software for a specific framework, operating system, or other platform. An SDK can include:

• An editor
• A compiler
• A debugger
• An emulator or simulator, if the target platform is different from the platform used to create the program.
• Tools to help test and package the program for distribution.

SDKs are usually provided by the owner of a software platform, to support developers targeting the platform. For example, Google provides an Android SDK for developers writing Android apps.

In many respects, the developer tools built into modern web browsers provide a similar function for web developers.