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A '''software development kit (SDK)''' is typically a set of development tools that allows a [[software engineer]] to create [[application software|applications]] for a certain [[software]] package, [[software framework]], [[hardware]] platform, [[computer system]], [[video game console]], [[operating system]] or similar.
It may be something as simple as an [[application programming interface]] in the form of some files to interface to a particular [[programming language]], or include sophisticated hardware to communicate with a certain [[embedded system]]. Common [[Software development tools|tools]] include debugging aids such as an [[Integrated development environment|IDE]] and other [[Utility program|utilities]]. SDKs also frequently include sample code and supporting technical notes or other supporting documentation to help clarify points from the primary reference material.
A software engineer typically receives the SDK from the target system developer. Often times, the SDK can be downloaded directly via the [[Internet]]. Many SDKs are provided for free to encourage developers to use the system or language. Sometimes this is used as a marketing tool. For example, ''Foo Products'' might provide the ''Widget SDK'' for free to encourage people to use it. In turn, more people will be encouraged to buy more of their widgets since they can program them for free.
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