[Term of the Day]:Framework

Term of the Day

“Framework”

Definition — What is a framework?

A Framework is a platform for developing software applications. It provides a foundation on which software developers can build programs for a specific platform. Each framework is based around a specific coding language, such as Java, Python, C+, or PHP, and essentially creates a blueprint for developing in that style. Some frameworks offer a more rigid approach to development, others allow for more fluidity in the process—software developers can pick and choose based on project needs or their own work styles. The framework usually includes predefined classes and functions that can be used to process input, manage hardware devices, and interact with system software. This streamlines the development process since software programmers don't need to reinvent the wheel each time they develop a new application.

To define the framework imagine that you have to cut a piece of paper with dimensions 20 by 20 inches. You would pick scissors and do just that, right? or, it may be something more complex like a piece of paper in the form of a triangle. Still, you would surely just get to the task right ahead. Then, suppose you are asked to cut 2000 such pieces of the same dimensions or 2000 triangles. What would you do? You would definitely make a frame 10×10 inches or a triangle-shaped stencil to complete the task faster with more precision and less effort. This is what a framework in programming does. It abstracts the task that is to be performed again and again and provides room for the development of applications with all the repetitive or routine operations being automatically done. Several different types of software frameworks exist. Popular examples include ActiveX and .NET for Windows development, Cocoa for Mac OS X, Cocoa Touch for iOS, and the Android Application Framework for Android.