7 years, 7 months ago.

Mechanically speaking, what is a library

Is a library merely a container of files that are included in a program's source file collection when a compile is done? The article "writing a library" talks a lot about how to create a nice library but nothing about basic library operation or what a library really is.

1 Answer

7 years, 5 months ago.

A library is a collection of functions or classes. A library would usually be built because those functions are reusable into many different projects.

For example, a library might be created to control an LCD display. Perhaps you use this library to create a little clock. Your next project uses the same library to show the local temperature and humidity.

So, library's, when done well, are a very powerful way to speed your software creation, but not having to create everything, every time.