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Software Development Kits (SDKs) are beneficial to developers when creating, improving, monetizing, and testing apps. So, they are excellent when building an app from scratch or including a new feature. In most cases, SDK users don’t need to write code themselves, as all components are already available. But while it might seem that SDKs are more relevant to beginners, they are valuable to seasoned developers.
Let’s see how different SDKs can be helpful to Android app creators regardless of their level of expertise.
Short reminder on SDKs
An SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection or set of tools, libraries, or information provided by various sources to support app development. For instance, it could be a pre-packaged code for adding a particular feature to your app. So, instead of manually writing code, developers can integrate it into their projects. Typically, you can find different types of SDKs:
– Debugging tools.
– Testing tools.
– Libraries.
– Documentation.
– Plug-ins.
– API (Application programming interface).
– Code snippets.
More functionality options
The most common benefit is integrating a new feature or function into an app without writing it.
For instance, Google Maps SDK lets anyone introduce interactive maps to their Android applications. Maps have features like route planning, custom markets, and Street View integration. Also, Firebase Authentication SDK can be a crucial addition to your app. It lets you verify users’ identities in several ways, such as by providing passwords and phone numbers. Additionally, you can authenticate users through services like Google and Facebook.
Improving app performance
SDKs can also help address many issues that slow down the app for your users. For instance, images or videos might take too long to load, or retrieving certain data comes with high overhead.
For example, Realm SDK is excellent for dealing with object databases and retrieving them without taking too long. Additionally, Glide SDK optimizes how your app deals with images through image loading and caching libraries. So users will enjoy shorter loading times and a smoother overall experience.
Faster development
Some SDKs can add features that improve the app but are optional. However, plenty of SDKs add crucial functionality to Android apps.
For instance, the AWS Mobile SDK simplifies the integration of various Amazon services, like Amazon S3 or Amazon DynamoDB. Many SDKs, like Razorpay SDK or Stripe SDK, are highly helpful for adding payment methods to your app.
Implementing new tech wonders
Some SDKs can add innovative, cutting-edge functions to Android apps, allowing developers to quickly adapt to the ever-changing app development trends.
For example, TensorFlow Lite SDK is an option for adding ML (machine learning) models. This can be very helpful if your app deals with object detection or image recognition. Also, ARCore SDK focuses on helping developers introduce AR (augmented reality) experiences into their products.
Tracking analytics and performance
Android app developers likely need insights into their clients and general app metrics. SDKs can provide highly relevant information for the apps’ growth and success.
For instance, Mixpanel SDK is one of the best choices for getting highly detailed reports on your users. Thanks to it, you can learn your conversion rates and user behavior and get tips on improving areas like user retention. Also, SDKs like Firebase Performing Monitoring focus on analyzing how your apps work and their potential drawbacks. Thus, don’t neglect SDKs focused on analytics. Their purpose is to see what next steps you should take for a better user experience.
Monetizing your app: ads and other strategies
SDKs are also great for finding new, less intrusive ways to monetize your app. Since many Android apps use ads, most SDKs work alongside them without issues. So, SDKs are an opportunity to generate more revenue.
Of course, you can use SDKs to integrate ads (like AdMob SDK from Google). In fact, many SDKs like Unity Ads, AppLovin, and Vungle focus on ads. However, SDKs like SponsorPay let you monetize your app through rewarded surveys and offerwalls. Also, Honeygain SDK enables you to offer special (usually paid) rewards and features if users agree to share their internet.
Stability and security boosts
These days, the security of your Android app is of the utmost importance. Luckily, some quality SDKs simplify this journey, letting you easily integrate features that have become the norm.
For instance, you can quickly add different security options to your app. A popular choice is Okta SDK, which is responsible for adding MFA (multi-factor authentication) to users’ accounts. Furthermore, developers see great value in AppDynamics SDK, which supplies details on app behavior and detects suspicious anomalies.
Conclusion
Overall, SDKs are a true gift to developers. They can assist during the early stages of your project, from adding payment methods to some security features. Additionally, they can help throughout the app’s existence by adding monetization strategies or implementing SDKs for analytics. Sometimes, SDKs will make it possible to stay ahead and follow different app development trends. So, explore the available SDKs for building or polishing your application!