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Glite Dictionary
program library

program library

3.7
A collection of ready-made pieces of code developers use in applications
  • noun
  • /ˈproʊɡræm ˈlaɪbrəri/
  • Specialized
translation icon : biblioteca de programas
  • The program library contains essential routines that speed up the software development process.

Examples

  • Students in the computer science course relied on the program library for various programming tasks.

  • A program library should be established for systems under development.

    Academic text (1999)

  • Jim served as PSA Region Director for Region 23 and was Associate Director of the Print Division's American Portfolios program and Director of the Photo Travel Division program library.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The software developer accessed the program library to find reusable code for his project.

Synonyms

library
vsprogram library
  • Specialized
77 4.9

A collection of code that other programmers use to save time

can include standard code not necessarily precompiled and ready to use
lib
vsprogram library
  • Specialized
5 7.7

A folder in a program that stores code other parts use

focuses on collections of standard programs and reusable routines rather than directories
subroutine library
vsprogram library
  • Specialized
5.1

A set of small programs that programmers can use to save time

is the general computing term for that same ready to use collection

How Comprehensive

platform
  • Specialized
278 4.9
framework
175 4.2
program library
  • Specialized
3.7
package
  • Specialized
227 4.2
module
101 3.7
snippet
36 4.8

Surface Forms

program library singular
program libraries plural
programme libraries plural
programme library singular

Morphology

program + library

The noun is compositionally built from 'program' (software instructions) + 'library' (a collection or repository), so its meaning 'a collection of programs/subroutines' is directly predictable from the constituents. This compounding pattern and the metaphorical use of 'library' for repositories is common cross-linguistically and follows standard English noun + noun composition, making it immediately comprehensible to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Program library comes from the idea of a library of programs, like a place of books where people 'borrow' what they need. So it now means a collection of ready-made programs and small routines that programmers can use again instead of writing them from scratch.