Definition

Noun (Computing): A collection of pre-written, standardized code modules, routines, or subroutines that are stored and made available for immediate use by software programs. It provides reusable functions to perform common tasks, saving developers from having to write the same code repeatedly.

Usage

A program library is a resource that software developers use to incorporate common functionalities into their applications without coding them from scratch.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The developer imported a graphics program library to handle image rendering.
  • This software relies on a robust mathematical program library for its calculations.
  • Updating the system's program library fixed several security vulnerabilities.

Advanced Usage

• "to link against a library": To configure a program to use the functions from a specific program library during compilation or execution.
  • The application is linked against a dynamic program library for network functions.

Variants and Related Words

• Library (n): A common shortened form for "program library" in computing contexts.
  • The C++ Standard Library is essential for programmers.
• Software Library (n): A synonymous term.
• DLL (Dynamic-Link Library) (n): A specific type of program library used in Windows systems.
• Static Library (n): A library whose code is copied into the final executable program.

Synonyms

• Code library
• Software repository (in a broader sense, for a collection of code packages)

Related Phrases

• Library call: An instruction in a program that requests a function from a program library.
  • The function fails due to an incorrect library call.
• Library dependency: When a program requires a specific program library to run.
  • The installer checks for all library dependencies.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. (computing) a collection of standard programs and subroutines that are stored and available for immediate use