Library (computing)

In computer science, a library is a collection of non-volatile resources used by computer programs.

Description

A library is a collection of implementations of behavior, written in terms of a language, that has a well-defined interface by which the behavior is invoked.

• This means that as long as a higher level program uses a library to make system calls, it does not need to be re-written to implement those system calls over and over again.

• In addition, the behavior is provided for reuse by multiple independent programs.

Library contents

Libraries may include:

• Pre-written code, typically subroutines
• Classes, values, type specifications
• Configuration data
• Documentation
• Help data
• Message templates

See also

• Computer science
• Framework (computing)
• Subroutine

External links

• Library (computing)