A framework is a structure that serves as a foundation for building software, providing a standard way to develop and deploy applications
. It is an abstraction in computer programming that allows developers to create application-specific software by selectively changing additional user- written code
. Frameworks offer several advantages, including:
- Time-saving : Since you don't need to write everything from scratch, using a framework saves time and reduces the risk of errors
- Code security : Frameworks have already been tested, ensuring less chance of introducing errors
- Simpler testing and debugging : Frameworks provide tools for developing, debugging, and testing, making the process easier
- Avoiding duplicate code : Using a framework helps prevent duplicate code, leading to cleaner and more adaptable code
- Focus on project-specific code : Frameworks allow developers to concentrate on writing code specific to the project, rather than reinventing the wheel
Frameworks are typically associated with a specific programming language and are suited to different types of applications, such as web development frameworks, backend and mobile application development frameworks, and data science frameworks
. They provide a common structure, enabling developers to work with a skeleton and call on the framework's code when needed, rather than having to write everything from scratch
. This approach is referred to as "inversion of control"