Libraries

Libraries

1. A library is a collection of commonly used private functions and subprograms

   • These can be called from within your program anytime, but only when the appropriate library is linked

2. Examples of private functions

   • Standard mathematical operations
   • Random number generators

3. Examples of subprograms

   • Standard input/output routines
     • Saving data to disk

4. Advantages of standard libraries

   • Related private functions and subprograms are stored in the same location
   • Time is saved as the programmer can simply use the private functions and programs stored in a library
   • Subroutines contained in a library have already been tested, so they should work reliably and not need further testing
   • Programs will contain less code and will therefore be easier to maintain