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 {{Glossary("developer tools")}} built into modern web browsers provide a similar function for web developers.