Programming

What is difference between framework and library?

3 answer(s)
Answer # 1 #

Great question for anyone getting into programming! This confused me for the longest time. Here's the simplest way to understand it:

Think of it like building furniture:

  • Library = A toolbox with specific tools (saw, hammer, screwdriver)
  • Framework = A pre-built workshop with workbenches, power outlets, and instructions

The key difference is "inversion of control":

When you use a library, YOU are in charge. You call the library functions when you need them. Example: jQuery - you decide when to use $.ajax() or $.hide().

When you use a framework, IT is in charge. You plug your code into the framework, and it calls your code when needed. Example: React or Angular - they tell you where to put your components and when they'll be rendered.

Another way to think: - You call the library - The framework calls you

Both are reusable code written by others, but they serve different purposes in your application architecture!

[5 Day]
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Answer # 2 #

As a senior developer, I explain this to juniors all the time! Here's my favorite analogy:

A library is like a rental car - you're in the driver's seat, you decide where to go and when to turn. The car (library) provides the functionality, but you're in control.

A framework is like a bus tour - the route is already planned, the stops are predetermined. You just get on and follow the schedule. The framework provides the structure, and you fill in the details.

Technical examples: - Libraries: React (for UI components), Lodash (utility functions), Axios (HTTP requests) - Frameworks: Angular (full application framework), Django (Python web framework), Spring (Java framework)

The boundary can get blurry sometimes (React is often called a library but feels framework-y), but the control flow distinction is what matters most when you're deciding which to use for a project.

[4 Day]
(0)
Answer # 3 #

Let me add a practical perspective as someone who uses both daily:

Library: - You choose when and how to use it - Smaller scope - usually focused on specific tasks - Easier to replace or remove - Example: NumPy for mathematical operations in Python

Framework: - It provides the overall structure for your application - Larger scope - often dictates application architecture - Harder to replace once committed - Example: Django for building web applications in Python

The "Hollywood Principle" applies to frameworks: "Don't call us, we'll call you." Your code responds to framework events rather than initiating actions.

What's interesting is that many large applications use both - a framework for the overall structure, and libraries for specific functionality. The choice depends on how much control you want versus how much structure you need!

[4 Day]
(0)

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