# Develop applications with the Qualcomm IM SDK Tab Qualcomm Linux Tab Ubuntu - *class* tabincludedirectiv - The Qualcomm IM SDK is a GStreamer-based software development kit that includes GST plugins and built-in sample applications, enabling you to develop multimedia and edge analytics use cases. The figure shows the workflow for creating an application or a plugin using the Qualcomm IM SDK. **Figure : Application development using Qualcomm IM SDK** The workflow steps in the preceding figure are as follows: > > > 1. Create a profile with [Qualcomm](https://myaccount.qualcomm.com/signup). > 2. Choose of one of the following options: > > - Download the public eSDK (recommended) > - Build a custom eSDK (optional) > 3. Install the eSDK for libraries and toolchains. > 4. Create an application. > 5. Compile the application. > 6. Transfer and install the application. **Requirements** - [Download and install eSDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/install-sdk.html#section-b5c-z3k-5bc) on the host machine. It's recommended that you install eSDK from the [Qualcomm public archive](https://artifacts.codelinaro.org/ui/native/qli-ci/flashable-binaries/qimpsdk/) or compile it independently. - Develop applications: 1. Compile the application in an installable package (`.ipk`) using the following from the Qualcomm IM SDK: - Cross-compiler - Dependent libraries - Header files 2. Transfer this `.ipk` to the target device. 3. Use [opkg](https://git.yoctoproject.org/opkg/tree/README.md) utility from the Yocto project to install the ipk. - [Develop your first application](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/content-develop-your-first-application.html) You can create applications using one of the following methods: - [Qualcomm^®^ Visual Studio Code](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70020-51/content-develop-your-first-application.html#develop-using-qualcomm-visual-studio-code-extension) - [A standalone Makefile](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70020-51/content-develop-your-first-application.html#develop-using-makefile) - [The Yocto devtool utility](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-70020-51/content-develop-your-first-application.html#develop-using-devtool) - [Customize existing sample applications](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/customize-sample-applications.html) To modify the sample applications, use the `devtool` utility from the eSDK to get the source code for sample applications. After making the required changes, use the `devtool` utility to compile and package the applications into an installable format (`ipk`). - [Compile and install Qualcomm IM SDK plugins](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/compile-install-imsdk-plugins.html) This section explains how to compile a Qualcomm IM SDK plugin and install it on the device, using the `mlvdetection` plugin as an example. - [Create your Qualcomm IM SDK plugin](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/create-your-imsdk-plugin.html) This section explains how to create a new plugin and compile it as part of the Qualcomm IM SDK. Each machine learning plugin is integrated into an independent BitBake recipe. - [Troubleshoot common issues](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70020-51/topic/troubleshooting.html) This section provides solutions to frequently encountered problems during Yocto development, helping you quickly identify and resolve build and toolchain issues. - *class* tabincludedirectiv - Download the Qualcomm IM SDK and the reference application source code directly onto the Qualcomm development kit. Compile the code using standard development tools such as CMake. You can either build your own application from scratch or use one of the provided reference applications as a starting point. The figure shows the workflow for creating an application or a plugin using the Qualcomm IM SDK. **Figure : Application development using Qualcomm IM SDK** The workflow steps in the preceding figure are as follows: 1. Install Ubuntu Server 24.04 on your development kit. 2. Enable Wi-Fi and SSH to ensure you're connected to the internet. 3. Use the PPA to download the Qualcomm IM SDK. 4. Run the `apt build-dep` command to set up the build environment. 5. Download the application's source files. 6. Create a new application or modify an existing application as per your requirements. 7. Compile the application and install it onto the target device. Last Published: Jan 18, 2026 [Previous Topic Get started with the Qualcomm IM SDK](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-70020-51/topics/install-sdk.md) [Next Topic Develop your first application](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/80-70020-51/topics/content-develop-your-first-application.md)