Ever been starving at dinnertime and had to choose between cooking at home or ordering takeout? That’s basically the difference between using an SDK and an API. Yes, we’re using food to explain software. It works, we promise.
We just dropped a new video breaking down what SDKs and APIs actually do, how they differ, and when to use each one. Whether you’re building from scratch or stitching services together, this explainer will help clear things up.
Watch the video:
Explore the Stripe API Collection: Postman
Auto-generate SDK code in Postman: Click “Code” after making a request
Quick question for you: When do you prefer to use an SDK over raw API calls?
Or vice versa? Drop your answer below.
We’re building a library of real-world dev workflows, and your input will help shape it.
More details in the comments, including tips based on your experience level.
Whether you’re just starting out or building large-scale systems, here’s a quick breakdown tailored to your level. If you’ve got thoughts or questions after reading through, scroll to the end and tell us how you’ve handled SDK vs API in your own stack. We’d love to feature some of your responses in future posts.
Just getting started? Think “Hello, World” not full production builds
If SDK and API still sound like buzzwords, you’re not alone. Here’s the simple way to look at it:
- SDK = full kitchen with tools, recipes, and ingredients
- API = food delivery where you place a request and something shows up
Try this:
- Fork a public Postman collection like Stripe or JSONPlaceholder
- Send a basic GET request and look at the response
- Use the “Code” button to see how the request looks in Python or JavaScript
This helps you understand how applications communicate without needing to write much code.
Comfortable with APIs? Let’s talk about tradeoffs
If you’ve made requests, handled tokens, and debugged a 401, you’re at the point where you’re deciding between convenience and control.
Try this:
- Explore how Stripe’s SDK handles authentication and retries
- Compare that with raw API calls in Postman
- Use the “Code” button to toggle between SDK-like snippets and manual setup
This exercise can help you decide whether you want pre-built tools or more flexibility.
Working at scale? You’re thinking about reliability, not just functionality
If you’re designing systems or leading a dev team, this is a good time to evaluate your default patterns.
Some questions to ask:
- Are your teams duplicating boilerplate code that SDKs could simplify?
- Are SDKs giving you what you need, or limiting deeper API use?
- How do SDK vs API decisions affect your CI/CD setup, testing, and debugging workflows?
Take a look at Stripe’s API collection in Postman. Generate code in a few languages and compare what fits best with your stack and workflow.
Your turn
What’s your go-to setup, and why?
- Do you reach for SDKs to move faster?
- Or do you prefer APIs when you want total control?
Share your take in the thread. We’ll be featuring helpful responses in a future roundup post, so don’t hold back
Hi Pooja,
My choice of wether to use an SDK or an API to me comes down to the level of maturity and stability of the API itself. If the API does not provide a consistent experience and there is sufficient need for it (which is weird right?) (within my immediate team for example) then I’ll wrap the API in my own SDK and manage the “pain” on behalf of my team. I mean, why have them repeat a poor DX?
If its a stable API and more importantly if it is a mature product and there is solid company behind it, then chances are I’ll gravitate towards an SDK (they maintain!)
rgds,
Miguel
