käyttökirjastojen

Käyttökirjastot, known in English as runtime libraries or often just libraries, are collections of pre-written code that can be used by programs. These libraries provide common functionalities that developers can incorporate into their own applications without needing to write the code from scratch. This promotes code reuse, saves development time, and helps ensure that common tasks are implemented efficiently and reliably.

Runtime libraries are typically linked to an executable program either at compile time or at runtime. Statically linked libraries are incorporated directly into the final executable, making the program larger but self-contained. Dynamically linked libraries, on the other hand, remain separate files and are loaded by the operating system when the program is run. This approach leads to smaller executables and allows multiple programs to share a single copy of the library, saving memory and disk space.

The functions provided by libraries can range from simple mathematical operations and string manipulation to complex graphics rendering, network communication, and database interaction. Operating systems themselves often provide extensive runtime libraries that applications can utilize. Developers can also create and use third-party libraries developed by others, contributing to a vast ecosystem of reusable software components. The proper management and understanding of runtime libraries are fundamental aspects of modern software development.