framework

A framework, in information technology and related fields, is a semi-complete guide or skeleton that provides a reusable, extensible structure for developing and integrating software or systems within a defined domain. It typically offers architectural layout, components, libraries, and a set of guidelines that promote consistency, reuse, and best practices.

In software development, a framework provides the foundation and a generic flow for building applications. It supplies abstractions for common tasks (data access, authentication, user interfaces, routing) and enforces conventions. Through inversion of control, the framework dictates the program structure and calls into user code at well-defined points, which can reduce boilerplate but may impose constraints and a learning curve.

Beyond software, the term framework is also used in law, policy, and research to denote a structured set of rules, standards, or concepts that determine scope and methodology, or to describe a theoretical lens for analysis. A regulatory framework outlines authorities and procedures; a conceptual framework organizes constructs and relationships within a study.

Notable software frameworks include Django, Rails, Spring, and ASP.NET, each providing libraries and patterns for specific ecosystems. Frameworks differ in language, philosophy, extensibility, and level of abstraction; some follow convention over configuration; others are more explicit and flexible.

Frameworks are distinct from libraries. A library is a collection of reusable code that the user calls directly; a framework often defines the overall architecture and calls into user-provided components.

Terminology aside, frameworks aim to increase productivity and consistency but may introduce coupling to a particular paradigm or vendor and require adaptation of existing code.