What is the definition of a library in programming?

The definition of a library in programming refers to a collection of precompiled routines that a program can use. Libraries serve as a repository of reusable code that can provide a wide range of functionalities, from handling mathematical operations to interfacing with hardware components or managing data structures.

By utilizing libraries, developers can save time and effort as they do not need to write code from scratch for common tasks. Instead, they can leverage these prewritten methods and functions, enhancing productivity and ensuring that the code is efficient and tested. Libraries can be linked to a program during development or runtime, providing flexibility in how they are used.

For instance, a math library might include functions for trigonometric calculations, logarithms, or other complex operations, allowing programmers to call those functions directly rather than implementing the algorithms themselves.

The other options suggest definitions that don't capture the core essence of a programming library. A storage location for images and graphics refers more to file systems or databases rather than libraries of code. A template for creating new classes describes a class or abstract class rather than a library itself. Meanwhile, a method for managing memory allocation relates to specific programming techniques or functions, but it does not encompass the broad functionality offered by libraries in general.