Skilled Web3 developers can create dozens of dApps with unique use cases. But they have to face the complexity and diversity of the Web3 ecosystem. With SDKs (software development kits), developers can overcome this challenge, speeding up the development time and streamlining their work processes.

Read below and find out more about Web3 SDKs and their benefits.

What is a Web3 SDK?

For Web2, an SDK (software development kit) is a set of pre-built tools and components developers use to build applications for specific platforms. SDKs are provided by hardware and software vendors, and they’re common for both mobile apps and web development.

A Web3 SDK has the same functionalities, offering blockchain developers the ability to write and run dApps quickly. Several blockchains have easy-to-use SDK tools available, enabling developers to experiment, test dApps, and smart contract implementations.

An SDK includes these components:

• Libraries: reusable and packaged code components that serve specific functions.
• APIs: pre-existing code components that enable developers to execute standard programming tasks within a blockchain platform.
• Code samples: examples of completed dApps that explain specific scenarios and include links to all the required source files.
• Integrated development environments (IDEs): graphical editors that assist in designing and arranging visual elements, like text boxes and buttons. 
• Testing tools and compilers: debugging tools to identify coding errors at different stages of application development.
• Documentation: instructions and tutorials that assist developers throughout the various stages of the development process.

SDK vs. API – The Differences

Simply put, a Web3 SDK helps developers build decentralized applications, while a blockchain API is used to query and manipulate various aspects of blockchain data, like transactions, smart contracts, and other assets stored on the blockchain. Additionally, through APIs, developers get access to the consensus algorithms employed by their chosen blockchain networks.

Yet, as mentioned above, an SDK includes one or more APIs, making the API an essential element when developing Web3 apps. Without an API, developers couldn’t define the right way to make requests on the blockchain.

Here’s a clearer view of the differences between Web3 SDKs and APIs:

Benefits of SDKs for Web3 Development

1. Easy Access to Blockchain Data

Building a dApp requires several steps, like sending and fetching transactions, interacting with smart contracts, building databases for events, and more. An SDK helps you remove all these manual and time-consuming searches, call the blockchain of your choice and retrieve a cache of real-time data. 

Moreso, as an all-in-one product,  you don’t need to integrate an SDK with other components, which can slow down the development process. Web3 developers can benefit from SDK’s pre-built resources, speeding up the development cycle and allowing them to focus on creating unique features and functionalities for their applications.

2. Cross-Platform Compatibility

This benefit isn’t available within all Web3 SDKs, but most offer cross-chain operability, bridging the gap between different blockchains. This means that after you’ve developed a dApp and decided to switch to another blockchain network, you wouldn’t have to start building a new dApp from scratch to make it compatible with your chosen different network. 

For example, if you create a dApp for Ethereum, you’ll be able to easily transition it to the Polygon network if you want, without the need to make any changes.

Some SDKs help developers build blockchains from composable modules by simply importing them into their blockchain applications.

3. Applicable for Common Web3 Use Cases

SDK tools are a great fit for a plethora of use cases. Common examples include:

• Create NFT games: depending on the specifics of the game, these SDK tools include Web3 infrastructure, multi-chain wallet support, marketplaces, the ability to check NFT balances, and even integrating crypto assets via drag-and-drop interfaces.
• Test smart contracts: SDK tools with the help of which you can write, compile, deploy, and test smart contracts using various programming languages; Truffle is a straightforward example here, providing an environment for testing Ethereum smart contracts using JavaScript or Solidity.
• Create or customize a wallet: SDK tools where you can quickly integrate out-of-the-box UI components and create Connect Wallet buttons; or build your own wallet solution with features like importing & exporting keys, keys to secure storage, and private key recovery included.
• Manage Web3 user data: these SDK tools allow Web3 developers to store and sync user data across different applications and devices using decentralized databases. 
• Decentralized identity (DID): decentralized identifier SDKs enable developers or companies to ensure user data privacy, anonymity, and sovereignty.

Conclusion

In the dynamic realm of Web3 development, SDK tools have become indispensable for developers aiming to build groundbreaking applications. By harnessing the power of SDK tools, Web3 developers can create innovative applications that outshine the competition and deliver unparalleled user experiences. 

With Blast SDK, you can also enjoy a smooth-running Web3 experience and remove complicated blockchain processes.

Blast SDK provides multi-chain support, automatic request back-off (due to the request-rate limiting feature), and high throughput thanks to Blast’s reliable and high-performing decentralized infrastructure. 

Check out all the details on how Blast SDK works.