F
- Framework
- Definition: A framework is a comprehensive set of code libraries and a predefined way (or architecture) to organize and facilitate the development of software applications. It provides a foundation on which software developers can build programs for a specific platform.
Purpose: Frameworks dictate the structure and flow of applications. They come with pre-written code, including classes and functions, to automate the implementation of common patterns and solutions.
Control Flow: In a framework, the control flow is dictated by the framework itself (Inversion of Control), meaning the framework calls the developer’s code.
Example: React for web development, .NET for Windows, Flask for Python web applications.
L
- Library
- Definition: A library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to optimize tasks within their own application. It consists of reusable functions, classes, or routines which perform specific operations or add particular functionalities.
Purpose: The main goal of a library is to provide a set of helpful features that developers can call upon to avoid writing code from scratch for common operations.
Control Flow: In the case of a library, the developer’s code is in charge. The developer calls the library where and when it is needed.
Example: jQuery for simplifying HTML DOM tree traversal and manipulation, the Math library in Python for mathematical functions.
S
- SDK (Software Development Kit)
- Definition: An SDK is a collection of software tools and programs used by developers to create applications for specific platforms, operating systems, or devices. SDKs provide a comprehensive set of development tools including libraries, documentation, code samples, processes, and guides that allow developers to create software applications more efficiently.
Purpose: An SDK is designed to help developers create applications by providing a complete set of development tools in one package. It often includes compilers, debuggers, and perhaps a software framework.
Example: Android SDK for developing Android apps, iOS SDK for developing iOS applications.