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In [[computer programming]], a '''software framework''' is an abstraction in which software providing generic functionality can be selectively changed by additional user-written code, thus providing application-specific software.

== Description ==

A software framework is a universal, reusable software environment that provides particular functionality as part of a larger software platform to facilitate development of [[Application software|software applications]], products and solutions.

Software frameworks may include support programs, compilers, code libraries, tool sets, and [[Application programming interface|application programming interfaces (APIs)]] that bring together all the different [[Component-based software engineering|components]] to enable development of a project or solution.

Frameworks are related to [[Library (computing)|libraries]].  Features that distinguish frameworks from libraries include:

* Inversion of control: In a framework, unlike in libraries or normal user applications, the overall program's flow of control is not dictated by the caller, but by the framework.
* Default behavior: A framework has a default behavior. This default behavior must be some useful behavior and not a series of no-ops.[citation needed]
* Extensibility: A framework can be extended by the user usually by selective overriding or specialized by user code to provide specific functionality.
* Non-modifiable framework code: The framework code, in general, is not supposed to be modified, while accepting user-implemented extensions. In other words, users can extend the framework, but should not modify its code.

== See also ==

* [[Bootstrap (framework)]]
* [[.NET Framework]]
* [[Library (computing)]]
* [[Web content management system]]
* [[Web application framework]]
* [[Web template system]]

== External links ==

* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_framework Software framework] @ Wikipedia