The Source SDK is a collection of software used to create custom content for games made with Valve's Source engine. Also known as authoring tools, the Source SDK contains all the tools you need to start creating your own levels. In order to get started with the Source SDK, you first need to get a hold of Steam. Steam is Valve's entertainment platform that allows its users to download and play a multitude of different games.
In this chapter, we will cover the following topics:
Downloading and installing Steam
Gaining access to the SDK
Glancing at the tools
Creating your own modification (mod) with the Source SDK
So, let's get started!