library

programming, library A collection of subroutines and

functions stored in one or more files, usually in compiled

form, for linking with other programs. Libraries are one of

the earliest forms of organised code reuse. They are often

supplied by the operating system or software developmentenvironment developer to be used in many different programs.

The routines in a library may be general purpose or designed

for some specific function such as three dimensional animated

graphics.

Libraries are linked with the user's program to form a

complete executable. The linking may be static linking

or, in some systems, dynamic linking.

(1998-11-21)