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Digital Literacy

Posted by Ibrahim Adeosun
Ibrahim Adeosun
2,973 Points

What exactly is a library in programming?

I have been hearing about libraries when it comes to programming where ever I go but no one has ever given me a definition of what they really are.

1 Answer

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
229,732 Points

A "library" is a collection of program parts that do common and/or specialized things that save the programmer from needing to "reinvent the wheel" when writing software. It usually consists of functions to call and object classes you can instantiate. A common example might be functions that deal with dates and times, and a specialized one could be software for manipulating an smart thermostat (such specialized libraries are typically provided with a device purchase).

By using libraries, the programmer can concentrate on the unique aspects of the application being developed.