Classic 'do you actually understand how products are built' check.
Start by defining both terms clearly, then highlight the key differences in scope and purpose. Use a concrete analogy to make the distinction memorable, and tie it back to how a Product Manager would leverage each when building or integrating products.
Pro tip: Emphasize that APIs are the interface for communication, while SDKs are toolkits that often include API wrappers, documentation, and utilities to speed up development. Mention that SDKs can contain multiple APIs, but APIs don't require an SDK.
Explain that an API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allows different software applications to communicate with each other. It defines the methods and data formats for requesting and exchanging information.
Explain that an SDK (Software Development Kit) is a collection of tools, libraries, documentation, code samples, and sometimes APIs that developers use to build applications for a specific platform or service. It provides a complete development environment.
Highlight that an API is a specific interface for interaction, while an SDK is a broader toolkit that may include one or more APIs, along with helper libraries and utilities. APIs are about connectivity; SDKs are about enabling development.
Use a relatable analogy, such as: an API is like a restaurant menu (you order specific dishes), while an SDK is like a meal kit with recipes, ingredients, and tools to cook the meal yourself.
Discuss how a PM might decide to offer an API for integrations, an SDK to accelerate adoption, or both. Consider trade-offs like developer experience, time-to-market, and maintenance overhead.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.