Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an SDK and an API?
An API is the underlying interface; an SDK is a language-specific library that wraps the API to make integration easier. Same data, but the SDK handles auth, retries, pagination, and types so you don't have to.
When should you use the SDK vs the raw API?
SDK when you're writing application code in a supported language (Python, JavaScript). Raw API when you're scripting in shell, calling from a language without an SDK, or doing one-off ad-hoc work.
What languages do most B2B SaaS SDKs support?
Python and JavaScript/Node are universal. Go and Ruby are common. Beyond those four, support thins quickly. If you need Rust, Elixir, or Java, plan for raw API calls.
How do you evaluate the quality of an SDK?
Look at: type safety (does the IDE autocomplete correctly?), retry logic, error types, async support, and how recently it was updated. SDKs that haven't been touched in 12 months usually trail the underlying API.
What's the most common SDK mistake teams make?
Treating the SDK as a permanent integration without monitoring upstream API changes. Vendors deprecate endpoints; SDK versions lag. A pinned SDK from 18 months ago is usually missing features and may be hitting deprecated endpoints. Schedule an SDK review every two quarters.
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