What is Software Library?

A software library is the collection of code elements, such as programming routines or snippets, that can be reused in the development of other software projects. The use of software libraries helps reduce the time spent developing new code and find shortcuts to simplify the programming process.

There are several different types of software libraries that focus on storing different elements of code. The purpose of a software library may depend on whether it’s dedicated to the front or back development, used for data manipulation, or is required for more general programming exercises.

The libraries vary depending on the programming language stored. CSS libraries store code related to design and web development, while JavaScript libraries contain “cheat codes” that make the code more efficient.

All computer code that programmers write is converted to binary (lines of ones and zeros) once it’s run on a machine. The processes of converting a high-level language (HLL) code into a binary file that a computer can run are complex and very fast.

The HLL source code is compiled into assembly source code. The compilations are assigned unique symbols or relocation information.

The assembly code is then converted into binary object files according to the relocation information assignments. The linker reads the relocation information and replaces the symbols with binary code, creating an executable file that a computer can read and process. This process of program interaction applies to the simplest lines of code.

Libraries play an essential role in program development. Some, such as code generation, dynamic, and static libraries, are visible to the programmer working on the code. Such system libraries are known as shared since they can be used by several programs simultaneously.

Code generation libraries are used to read external and internal configurations that are forwarded to the compiler. Dynamic libraries, also known as runtime libraries, are used during the processes of memory allocation and the program’s interaction with the operational system (OS).

Static libraries, known as compile-time, are used during the compilation process to detect relocation information and convert it to executable files.

Blockchain and Software Libraries

Software libraries play an essential role in the development of blockchain-based systems. The Ethereum blockchain is perhaps one of the most popular bases for creating blockchain projects. Various token standards, such as ERC-20 or ERC-721, are built on Ethereum and rely on libraries such as web3.js and ethereum.js to simplify the integration process.

The process of programming a blockchain from scratch is expensive, complicated, and requires a lot of time. Therefore, blockchain software libraries are used to optimize the process and code more efficiently.

The software libraries used in the Ethereum ecosystem employ the unique mechanics of smart contracts. These self-executing programs are used to simplify the development of blockchain-based solutions and promote the overall reusability of code stored in software libraries.