Difference Between SDK-Based Apps and Normal Android Apps

In Android development, you might come across two types of applications: SDK-based apps and normal apps. While both are Android applications, they have different purposes, structures, and ways they are used. Let’s break it down in simple terms and then explain how to differentiate between the two.

1. Normal Android Apps

Normal Android Apps are the applications we use every day, like social media apps, games, or utility apps. These apps are designed for end-users and are installed on devices through the Google Play Store or other app distribution platforms.

Key Features of Normal Android Apps:

• User-facing: These apps are designed for the general public to use.
• User Interface (UI): They have a UI with which users interact (buttons, text fields, etc.).
• Complete functionality: They are self-contained and provide all the features users need.
• Example: Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, etc.

2. SDK-based Apps

An SDK (Software Development Kit) in Android is a set of tools, libraries, and code that developers can use to integrate certain features into their own apps. SDK-based apps are not typically standalone apps; they provide a foundation for other apps to build upon. When we talk about an SDK app, it generally means an app that includes or depends on an SDK to perform specific tasks.

Key Features of SDK-based Apps:

• Developer-facing: SDKs are mainly used by developers to build or enhance applications.
• No UI or minimal UI: SDKs often do not provide a complete user interface; instead, they provide tools and functions that can be integrated into other apps.
• Provides functionality for other apps: SDK-based apps or SDKs give developers predefined tools to add specific functionality like ads, analytics, or payment processing into their apps.
• Example: Google Maps SDK, Firebase SDK, Facebook SDK, etc.

Differences Between SDK Apps and Normal Apps

How Will You Know if an App Uses an SDK?

To know if an app is SDK-based or if it uses an SDK, you can look for the following signs:

1. Developer Documentation: SDKs usually come with detailed developer documentation explaining how to integrate them into an app.
2. Libraries in the Code: If you’re working on the code of an app, you can check the dependencies or libraries used in the project (in the build.gradle file). SDKs are often added as dependencies in Android apps.

For example:

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.google.firebase:firebase-analytics:18.0.0'
}        

This line means the app is using Firebase Analytics SDK.

1. Limited UI or Backend Focus: SDK-based apps often have little or no UI because they are not meant to be used directly by end-users. They might run in the background or provide backend services (e.g., handling ads, processing analytics).
2. Purpose of the App: If the app is meant to add functionality to other apps (like providing mapping features, payment gateways, or analytics), it’s likely an SDK or contains SDK components.
3. External Service Integration: If an app integrates external services (like cloud databases, ad services, or push notifications), it might be using SDKs for those services.

Common Examples of SDK Use in Normal Apps

Here are some typical SDKs integrated into normal apps:

• Firebase SDK: Used for features like analytics, push notifications, real-time databases, etc.
• Google Maps SDK: Adds mapping and location-based services to apps.
• Facebook SDK: Allows apps to integrate with Facebook for login, sharing, or ads.
• Stripe SDK: Provides secure payment processing in apps.

Summary

In summary, normal Android apps are built for end-users and provide all the features needed for tasks like communication, shopping, or gaming. On the other hand, SDK apps or SDKs provide specific tools or functionalities for developers to integrate into their apps, and these SDK-based apps are usually not meant for direct user interaction. You can differentiate between the two based on their purpose, UI, target audience, and how they are distributed or integrated into other applications.

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