In programming, a framework is a pre-built set of reusable components, tools, and guidelines that provide a foundation for developing software applications. It offers a structured approach to building applications and helps developers streamline the development process by providing a set of pre-defined functionalities and features. Frameworks typically follow certain design patterns, coding conventions, and architectural principles, making it easier for developers to create applications with consistency and efficiency.

# Characteristics of Framework
Key characteristics of a programming framework include:

1. Abstraction: Frameworks abstract the low-level details, allowing developers to focus on higher-level application logic.

2. Reusability: They offer reusable code components, reducing the need to reinvent the wheel for common tasks.

3. Extensibility: Developers can extend and customize the framework's functionality to suit their specific needs.

4. Inversion of Control: The framework controls the flow of the application and calls the application code when needed (opposite of traditional programming where the application code calls libraries).

# Difference between Framework and Library
Now, let's discuss the difference between a framework and a library:

| **Framework** | **Library** |
| :--- | :--- |
| A framework provides a complete architecture for developing applications, often offering a skeleton or foundation to build upon. | A library, on the other hand, is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform specific tasks or functions. |
| It dictates the application's overall structure and controls the flow of the application. | Libraries are more focused and provide specific functionalities or tools that developers can integrate into their applications. |
| Developers build their applications within the framework's boundaries, and the framework calls the application code when necessary. | Developers have more control over how they use libraries and typically call library functions directly from their code. |
| Examples of frameworks include Django (Python web framework), Spring (Java enterprise application framework), and Ruby on Rails (Ruby web framework). | Examples of libraries include NumPy (Python library for numerical computing), React (JavaScript library for building user interfaces), and jQuery (JavaScript library for DOM manipulation). |

In summary, a framework offers a complete structure for building applications, while a library provides specific functionalities that can be integrated into an application. The main distinction is that the framework controls the flow of the application, while developers control the flow when using libraries.

Python Web Development Track Overview

What is Framework?

Characteristics of Framework

Difference between Framework and Library

Framework	Library
A framework provides a complete architecture for developing applications, often offering a skeleton or foundation to build upon.	A library, on the other hand, is a collection of pre-written code that developers can use to perform specific tasks or functions.
It dictates the application's overall structure and controls the flow of the application.	Libraries are more focused and provide specific functionalities or tools that developers can integrate into their applications.
Developers build their applications within the framework's boundaries, and the framework calls the application code when necessary.	Developers have more control over how they use libraries and typically call library functions directly from their code.
Examples of frameworks include Django (Python web framework), Spring (Java enterprise application framework), and Ruby on Rails (Ruby web framework).	Examples of libraries include NumPy (Python library for numerical computing), React (JavaScript library for building user interfaces), and jQuery (JavaScript library for DOM manipulation).