What is an SDK? Meaning, Examples & How to Use It

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What Does SDK Stand For?

The SDK acronym stands for Software Development Kit. Meaning, an SDK is a comprehensive set of tools created to boost application development for specific platforms or technologies. 

What is an SDK used for? Developers leverage SDKs to implement advanced features, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance on target systems without the necessity to onboard extra team members with narrow qualifications, thus cutting development time and cost. 

They can be distinguished between server-side and client-side SDKs. 

What is a client-side SDK? It prioritizes user engagement, real-time interactivity, and device capabilities. These SDKs run directly on the end-user’s smartphone, web browser, or desktop. They handle user-facing interactions ( UI rendering, animations, in-app events), harness device features (camera, geolocation), and often include frontend analytics. 

Server-side SDKs operate behind the scenes on backend servers or in cloud environments. They manage critical business logic, secure database interactions, and handle high-volume or sensitive operations (e.g., payment processing, authentication, large-scale data analytics). 

Most modern applications use both types to deliver a smooth user experience while maintaining robust backend processes. 

The core components behind an SDK technology typically include:

• APIs (Application Programming Interfaces);
• SDK Libraries;
• Documentation;
• Sample Code;
• Debugging Tools;
• Development Frameworks;
• Testing Environments.

In simple terms, an SDK is a bridge that connects developers to platform-specific capabilities. It allows them to harness features like hardware integration, system-level optimizations, and enhanced user experiences. For example, Android SDK offers APIs and libraries to seamlessly access device cameras, GPS, and storage.

Architecture of the Face AR SDK

How Do SDKs Work?

Let’s dive deeper into key elements hiding behind the SDK acronym. 

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces)

APIs in SDKs are the primary communication layer, allowing developers to interact with platform-specific features or external systems. AR Software Development Kit will include face tracking and real-time filters. For instance, you can use the startFaceTracking() API to initialize facial recognition or applyARFilter() to render dynamic AR effects. These APIs help to avoid complex computations, keeping the key focus on integrating high-level features.

SDK Libraries

SDK libraries are precompiled codebases with reusable functions, classes, and methods. Graphics AR SDK may include highly optimized libraries for real-time AR rendering, facial landmark detection, and effect management. For example, the library function detectFacialFeatures() handles tasks like identifying eyes, nose, and mouth positions, streamlining the process of overlaying AR effects.

Documentation

Detailed guides and API references that explain how to utilize the SDK’s features effectively. Documentation often includes function definitions, parameter explanations, and example use cases.

Sample Code

Ready-to-use fragments that demonstrate best practices for implementing specific functionalities. For example, a sample project in an AR SDK can feature practical implementations of virtual try-on or interactive AR games.

Debugging Tools

These help identify, trace, and resolve issues during development. Features like breakpoints, stack traces, and performance profiling ensure smoother workflows.

Development Frameworks

These are pre-configured setups that standardize project structures and optimize workflows. Frameworks often include tools for faster project initialization.

Testing Environments

Virtual or emulated environments are provided within the SDK to test the application’s behavior across different platforms and devices.

SDK Use Cases and Examples

According to the Mobile SDKs Trends Report, in July 2018, an average app had 18.5 SDKs integrated. Nowadays, it’s believed that a complex application can utilize up to 30 Software Development Kits. 

Some SDKs are impossible to do without. For example, any Android app available on the Google Play Store, from major players (Pinterest, Instagram, Netflix, etc.) to minor indie products must use the Android SDK as the foundational layer to run on Android devices. 

Let’s review some examples of SDK usage in mobile apps. 

Uber

Uber utilizes the Google Maps SDK to provide accurate location services and real-time navigation for both drivers and passengers. This integration allows users to set precise pickup and drop-off locations and offers live traffic updates for route optimization.

Spotify

When you share what you’re listening to on Spotify on Facebook, it all happens thanks to the Facebook SDK for social sharing. This allows users to connect their Facebook accounts, share music with friends, and discover what others are listening to.

FaceYoga

FaceYoga

FaceYoga leverages Banuba’s Face AR SDK in its application to offer a before-after feature to its users. The AR face-tracking technology powered by AI includes beautification effects that showcase personalized expected improvements for app users. 

TikTok

TikTok uses the Android SDK to integrate device camera access to enable video recording and editing, delivering real-time notifications, and offline caching based on Android networking libraries and local storage frameworks.

Weat

Weat is a social media app for cooking and food enthusiasts that uses Video Editor SDK enabling TikTok-like features, such as trimming, adding captions, filters, and AR effects, sound editing, overlaying pictures, etc. SDK connection helped the team cut the dev time in half.

SDKs vs APIs: What’s the Difference?

Developers often use these terms interchangeably, making a huge mistake as they serve different purposes. Let’s figure it out. 

API Meaning

An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a set of protocols and tools that enables different software applications to communicate with each other. You can think of it as a contract between two systems: one system provides functionalities, while the other uses them. For instance, the Google Maps API allows developers to embed maps and location-based services into their applications.

Mobile SDK Meaning

An SDK is a complete file package that includes APIs along with additional tools such as libraries, documentation, debugging tools, and testing environments. While an API serves as a single interface for accessing a service, an SDK provides all the necessary components for building applications on a specific platform.

Sometimes, people also don’t know the difference between an SDK, APK, and ADK. While you already know an SDK definition, let’s quickly identify the rest. APK (Android Package) is a ready-to-install application file, while an ADK (Accessory Development Kit) provides tools for creating external hardware devices and making them communicate with Android software. 

Advantages of Using SDKs in Development

SDKs’ documents top the list of sources for learning how to code, according to the 2024 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. While they definitely are an inspiring base for beginners, it’s a lifesaver for pro-coders and product owners. 

Accelerated Development and Time-to-Market

Pre-built components, documentation, and samples save time compared to coding everything from scratch. Leveraging an SDK for specific functionalities (e.g., face tracking, video editing, analytics) speeds up development cycles. SDK integration can cut the launch time in half, helping a product stand out in crowded marketplaces.

Short Time-To-Market

Well-designed SDKs can be integrated in a few hours or even minutes (see the Video Editor SDK integration video below, for example). Meanwhile, developing similar functionality from the ground up would've taken months or even years.

The shortened time-to-market is very beneficial, as it mitigates various opportunity costs and allows beating competitors to a newly-opened niche. For instance, the current troubles that TikTok is having might present such a niche.

In addition, the sooner you release your product, the sooner you will start getting revenue and customer feedback.

Lower Expenses 

Developing a sophisticated application from scratch will require hiring additional team members with unique expertise or growing your in-house talents. Leveraging an off-the-shelf solution frees you from additional efforts and costs.

Access to Advanced Functionality

SDKs can expose sophisticated capabilities (e.g., AI, payment processing, AR), eliminating the need to cram machine learning, AR rendering, or 3D, which can take years to master. 

Scalability and Future-Proofing

As the product grows, the SDK can evolve with new features or integrations without a complete rewrite. Many SDKs help ensure apps comply with platform changes (e.g., new Android/iOS versions, privacy regulations). Banuba's SDK offers cross-platform compliance and total flexibility. 

Higher Quality and Reliability

Established SDKs have already been tested across multiple apps and use cases, decreasing the risk of defects. Providers typically offer continuous improvements, documentation, and technical support.

How to Use an SDK

Using a Software Development Kit starts with obtaining access to the package. Let’s review the Banuba’s Face AR SDK integration as an example. 

Step 1 

Fill out the form to get a free 14-day trial token and the SDK file package. 

Step 2

After receiving the token, explore the detailed tutorial with links to the Android face recognition library on GitHub and Banuba’s Face AR SDK documentation, featuring detailed instructions. It features examples of photo and video effects you can test and explore. 

Step 3

Follow all the steps in the guide, and you’ll be good to go. You can contact Banuba's team for guidance if any issues occur. 

Banuba also offers an active community where developers share tips and troubleshoot problems together.

Popular SDKs in the Industry

I’ve selected and grouped some of the most popular SDKs in the industry. They are the foundation for building apps and integrating specific features. 

Mobile Application Development

• Android SDK is used to build native Android applications. Its key features include access to UI components, system services (notifications, camera), and Google Play integrations;
• iOS SDK helps develop native iOS apps. It includes Swift and Objective-C frameworks (UIKit, SwiftUI), Apple push notifications, and various device-specific APIs (Touch ID, Face ID);

Cloud Services & APIs

• AWS SDK (Amazon Web Services) for interacting with 300+ services this platform provides;
• Azure SDK (Microsoft Azure) for accessing AI, Cloud, and other Microsoft products;
• Google Cloud SDK for managing Google Cloud resources.

Payments & E-Commerce

• Stripe SDK grants secure payment processing in web and mobile apps via card tokenization, subscriptions, marketplace payments, and a rich dashboard for analytics;
• PayPal/Braintree SDK is used to integrate PayPal or credit card payments.

Augmented Reality (AR) SDKs

• AR SDKs by Banuba is used to integrate Face AR, virtual try-ons, masks, and filters for mobile and web. It features real-time face tracking, gesture recognition, background segmentation, AR effects for selfies or video calls, and integration support for iOS, Android, Unity, and more.
• ARCore by Google helps build AR experiences on Android (and some iOS support via cross-platform solutions, offering motion tracking, environmental understanding, light estimation, and plane detection.
• ARKit by Apple is used to develop AR apps on iOS. Its key features include world tracking, face tracking, and environment texturing.

Why Choose Banuba’s SDKs?

Banuba has been a leading player in the AR market for over 12 years now, owning more than 30 patents, mainly in face tracking, makeup transferring, and emotion detecting. Our AR and Video Editor SDKs provide an all-in-one immersive multimedia toolkit, combining state-of-the-art face tracking, AR effects, and intuitive video editing features. 

With a proven track record, continuous R&D investment, and a strong focus on developer experience, we help businesses deliver high-quality, engaging, and innovative media experiences to end users. With Banuba’s SDKs, you can get: 

• Advanced AI-powered face and gesture tracking even in challenging lighting or partial obstruction;
• Real-time interaction and edits, which are great for filters, visual effects, video edits, masks, or gamified AR experiences;
• Pre-built libraries of beautification, makeup, and 3D overlays;
• Markerless AR, background segmentation, and virtual try-on features for social media and e-commerce;
• Seamless support for iOS, Android, Unity, Windows, and the web, helping teams launch immersive AR experiences on multiple platforms quickly;
• Comprehensive video editing capabilities with core features such as trimming, cropping, merging clips, and adding transitions enhanced with AR effects (e.g., real-time face filters, masks;
• Smooth editing and rendering, even on mid-range devices;
• Built-in optimizations for low-latency processing so users can enjoy fast exports and live previews;
• Flexible and customizable UI to tailor the layout, theme, and feature set to match your brand and UX requirements;
• Comprehensive documentation and sample projects guide you through implementing custom workflows;
• Regularly released updates to keep pace with device innovations and platform requirements (Android, iOS, new OS versions);
• Dedicated customer success and technical support teams assist with integration, performance tuning, and custom feature requests.

Marketing and Product Benefits of SDK Integration: 

• Shorter time-to-market; 
• 200% up in user engagement; 
• New virtual product digitalization in just 48 hours; 
• Boost in add-to-cart rates; 
• 60% decrease in returns; 
• Cut dev cost and boost ROI; 
• Grow loyalty and brand awareness; 
• No R&D or in-house dev team required.

I hope I managed to convey all the values hidden behind this short acronym — SDK. Its global value, though, is skyrocketing, projected to reach 6.08 billion dollars in 2032, compared to 2.230 billion dollars in 2023. Demand generates supply, and who knows, maybe, in the near future, building an app will look like building LEGO — just using pre-cut bricks and following instructions. 

Ready to add that “wow” factor to your app? Give Banuba’s AR and Video Editor SDKs a try—no strings attached. Experience how easy it is to build immersive effects and video features that keep users coming back for more. Let’s team up and create something incredible together.