This article will tell you what an SDK is and what to focus on when choosing. As we know, SDK can be used for different purposes: for testing, tracking, analytics… it is even possible to monetize any desktop app with its help. So, let’s have a more detailed look at it.
What is SDK, and why is it needed
The SDK allows mobile app developers to leverage the functionality of their platforms. Programmers use the SDK to collect better analytics on the app, create push notifications, sync payments, set up ads, and see how the app works and whether there are any bugs.
A software development kit is a set of tools for software. For site analytics, people use Google Analytics. Still, this thing is only for the Web and, in order not to create code that will analyze user actions on a mobile device, you can install the analytics SDK.
In simple words, the SDK is a ready-made piece of code that allows you to upgrade your mobile application.
How to choose the ideal SDK
There are a million different SDKs out there, and choosing the right ones can be a daunting task. Some of the SDKs are necessary for the application to work correctly; others offer additional functions that will improve the quality of the mobile phone using features that are optional but very useful.
Keep in mind that too many SDK platforms installed can harm the application’s performance in some cases:
- Slow down the speed of work.
- Waste the user’s device power.
- Also, provoke user data leakage.
When choosing an SDK, you should pay attention to the following:
- Purpose. What do you need an SDK for? How will it improve the application, and what will be the benefit for the customers?
- Transparency. If the SDK is closed, you will not see the code you will insert into your application, which can create a number of difficulties in the future. If the SDK is open source, you will find it easier to make corrections to the code. But in this case, there is a possibility of breaking something in someone else’s code.
- Flexibility. Many closed SDKs do not provide functions separately and sell their platforms as a whole package of services, which is why such SDKs weigh a lot, and you use only a couple of functions. And the ability to select the necessary functions will allow you to select only the necessary tools for work and not clutter up the library. Modular SDKs will enable you to experiment with features, test new ones, and discard unnecessary ones.
- Agreement. Be sure to read the SDK agreement carefully. Some of them may be incompatible with your app.
- Verification. By installing an SDK, you insert someone’s code into your application. Malicious SDKs can damage the application, compromise users, or even get you banned from the app store. Make sure you are using a verified SDK.
Which SDK to choose?
As we said, start with your goals and the main functions of your mobile application.
Tracking and analytics
Basic and, one might even say, mandatory SDKs for analyzing the performance of an application. It’s worth noting that the tracking SDK tracks install sources so you can understand which channel is effective and which is not. And the analytics SDK examines users inside your product: what they are doing in the application, where they are visiting, what they are looking at.
You should understand that these are two different things, but now many SDKs offer both functions simultaneously, and you should not install different platforms not to clutter up your application.
Basic SDK systems for analytics and tracking
- Google Analytics is the basic one; this platform is often installed by default on all applications. Free solution with all basic tracking features.
- Flurry allows you to track everything the same as analytics from Google. A great advantage of the platform is that it is pretty easy to work with events and build funnels based on them.
- Appsflyer is a paid tracker, but you can use a trial with 5000 unlimited installs. AppsFlyer makes it easy to measure conversions and in-app purchases, LTV and ROI.
- App Metrica analytics from Yandex.Metrica: the system can analyze user behavior, and thanks to integration with many advertising networks, tracking occurs with a large number of sources.
- Adjust. If you buy a paid subscription, as a bonus, you have the opportunity to track organic installs, as well as create cohorts to view statistics for a specific user.
- Mixpanel is a costly platform with powerful analytics. This includes financial analytics, granular segmentation, funnel building, cohort analysis, and in-app analytics.
Monetization
Installing the SDK for monetization will allow you to rent out advertising banners and earn money from their impressions. But remember that advertising pisses everyone off, and don’t overdo it.
- ironSource – allows you to choose the type of advertising: banners, full-screen advertising, video, native, and monitor the analytics of impressions and, therefore, monetize desktop application.
- Applovin – in this platform, you can set up ad impressions and engage in user acquisition.
- Infatica – an easy way to monetize desktop application that is compatible with any other monetization method, you are monetizing your users even if they are not visiting your app. Moreover, this tool has minimal impact on the size of your app.
- Appodeal – in addition to the fact that you can customize ads on this platform, the service provides the ability to conduct A/B testing of ads and determine the best options. This is a great option to monetize desktop apps.
As you can see, your options are plentiful, so choose wisely. Good luck!