Xbox Development Kit

The Xbox Development Kit (XDK), is a software development kit created by Microsoft used to write software for the Xbox gaming system. The XDK includes libraries, a compiler, and various tools used to create software for the Xbox. The XDK also has the option to integrate itself into Microsoft Visual Studio 2005.

Purpose

XDK was also designed to be used in conjunction with an Xbox console with the XDK Debug BIOS. It includes features to link to the console for real-time debug feedback, including system activity and network monitors.

Only developers that are licensed by Microsoft may compile code and release binaries (.XBEs) of their software with the XDK, any software released using the XDK by developers that aren't licensed is illegal. Most of the underground homebrew software for the Xbox is compiled using the XDK, and thus is illegal. To address this problem, the OpenXDK project has been started to create an open source replacement for the XDK. However, as of July 2007, it is still in beta.

Many people who are supplied with XDKs are required to sign Non-disclosure agreements so they do not disclose any information about Microsoft's development technology.