Glossary comparison
SDK vs Toolchain: what is the difference?
The difference
A toolchain is the compiler, linker and related tools. An SDK supplies the libraries, drivers and examples built with it, and sometimes bundles the toolchain as well.
An SDK bundles libraries, drivers, examples and documentation for a chip, and usually relies on a toolchain. The toolchain is the compiler and its companions.
The two terms
SDK
A packaged set of libraries, headers, drivers, examples, build scripts and documentation that lets a customer write software for a chip or platform. For silicon vendors it is the main vehicle for turning a datasheet into working customer code.
Toolchain
The coordinated set of programs that turns source code into a runnable image: compiler, assembler, linker, C library, and the binary utilities that inspect and convert the result.
Side by side
| Field | SDK | Toolchain |
|---|---|---|
| Stands for | Software Development Kit | Not an abbreviation |
| Type | Acronym | Term |
| Domain | Embedded Software & Tools | Embedded Software & Tools |
| Group | Middleware and stacks | Toolchain |