any reusable, class library that implements a nontrivial set of capabilities capturing one or more specification, design, code, or test patterns.

A set of classes that are closely related in terms of function and data, and which form an independent and reusable product.

software framework is a single design that partially implements a reusable software solution for a whole particular problem domain. The implemented, immutable, parts are "frozen spots", the open, flexible, parts are called " hot spots". In that sense a framework is much broader (``programming in the large'') than a software pattern (``programming in the small''). (A framework typically contains several patterns, but a pattern doesn't contain frameworks.) Software frameworks are constructed in such a way that similar applications within the same domain can benefit from the same structures and abstractions. Software frameworks are thus application generators. R.E.Johnson, Frameworks = (components + patterns), Communications of the ACM, 40(10)39-42, 1997.

"Prefab parts" for software. Frameworks are collections of objects that you can put together with your own objects to make programs for a particular domain of applications, thus saving you the work of starting from scratch. For example, Habanero provides the framework for writing collaborative applications, so that you do not have to worry about all the nitty-gritty of setting up the communications and other issues common to all such collaborative applications. The framework lets you concentrate on working on your particular program needs .

A set of object classes that provide a collection of related functions for a user or piece of software.

mechanism for holistically linking a variety of models while ensuring compatible input and outputs and maintaining development of testing legacy of individual components. A software framework integrates different components of a modeling system together to provide a consistent and efficient architecture to conduct scientific research and analyses. components of a framework are a 1) user interface, 2) module types, 3) models within a module type, and 4) system databases.

IBMspeak for an abstract edifice that’s not quite as well worked out and complex as an architecture, but that’s a bit more than just a glint in a marketer’s eye. Usually a framework will involve a few specifications and lots of strategic alliances between IBM and third-party vendors who hope to pick up a few crumbs which fall off the table. The Information Warehouse and SystemView are of this ilk. These days, frameworks are spoken of in the same breath as WebSphere.

A set of cooperating classes that makes up a reusable design for a specific application.

A logical structure for classifying and organizing complex information. [Federal Enterprise Architecture Framework

a simplified description of a complex entity or process; "the computer program was based on a model of the circulatory and respiratory systems"

a body of reusable code, usually expressed as a set of classes

a collection of classes--some abstract, some concrete--that captures the architecture and basic operation of an application system

a collection of classes that are cohesive and self-contained to provide a set of services for a particular domain

a collection of classes that simplifies programming in Windows by encapsulating often-used programming techniques

a collection of code used as a template for writing applications

a collection of cooperating classes that together define a generic or template solution to a family of domain specific requirements

a collection of reusable libraries that enable programmers to write code faster

a complete solution for a specific problem, a point solution

a directory containing a library of compiled code, the headers for that code, and any resources required by that code

a dynamically loadable library of classes, categories, protocols, functions, and everything else you'd expect from a linked library, optionally bundled with header files, documentation and other resources

a fancy Apple-word (in this context) that means class library

a folder with a particular structure, containing header files, a library defining the functions in those headers, and possibly resources used by the library

a general component in support of Services (Service Capabilities) and Applications

a generalisation of a system of collaborating objects

a generalization of this idea to a group of classes working together

a generic term for a powerful object-oriented reuse technique that typically emphasizes the reuse of design patterns and architectures

a group of classes that form the foundation for a subset of functionality in an application

a group of collaborating classes that structure the essence of a solution for a particular domain

a group of components that cooperate with each other to provide a reusable architecture for applications with a given domain

a key business performance initiative in support of our efforts to evolve as a world class organization and enhance shareholder value

a kind of library of reusable objects

a library of reusable classes designed to be used by other applications

a logical architecture that does not propose any specific topology or physical location of servers

a microarchitecture denoting a collection of classes and mechanisms that together provide a set of services for a particular domain, which clients can use as well as adapt

an abstract application described by a set of abstract classes and/or design patterns that constitute a well-defined set of services and provide a sound way in which instances of these classes cooperate

an abstraction of, or schematic for, a solution to a family of problems, an integrated collection of components that collaborate to produce a reusable architecture

an extensible library of cooperating classes that make up a reusable design solution for a given problem domain

an infrastructure that facilitates the construction of applications for a specific domain

an integrated set of classes into which application designers plug code that is unique to their applications

an n-tier distributed architecture

an object oriented abstract design consisting of abstract classes

an object-oriented style of packaging a library, so that clients use the library by inheriting from a few key classes and defining methods to customize the behavior of the library

a package which provides a surrounding structure for applications in some particular domain (Web portals, simulations, whatever)

a powerful technique to improve reuse, as lots of different applications can be obtained by instantiating it

a representation of a reusable design by a set of classes and the way their instances interact

a reusable design expressed as a set of abstract classes and the way their instances collaborate

a reusable design expressed as a set of behaviors and collaborations, and defined in terms that are typically more generic than the eventual problem to be solved

a reusable design, expressed as a set of classes, that can serve as a solution to a family of related problems and support reuse at a larger granularity than classes

a reusable design for a specific category of applications, expressed as a set of cooperating classes

a reusable design of all or a part of system represented by a set of abstract classes and the way their instances interact

a reusable, semi-complete application that can be specialized to produce custom applications

a reusable, skeleton application designed to be extended to build specific applications or services

a set of classes and objects that provide a context for the implementation of some aspect of one or more applications

a set of classes that embodies an abstract and reusable design for solutions to a family of related problems in a

a set of classes that embodies an abstract design for solutions to a family of related problems, and supports reuses at a larger granularity than classes

a set of classes that form the basis for building advanced functionality

a set of classes that work together to perform designated functions

a set of classes which handles the flow necessary to perform a complex task, but which requires plug-in

a set of cooperating classes, some of which may be abstract, that make up a

a set of cooperating classes that makeup a reusable designed for a specific class of software

a set of cooperating classes that make up a reusable design for a specific class of software

a set of libraries that attempt to make certain tasks easier

a set of related classes and other supporting elements that make application development easier by supplying pre-built parts

a set of specific classes that cooperate closely with each other, making a reusable design for solving a general category of problems

a software system that defines a collection of abstract base classes and ready-made concrete classes, and which is designed for extension

a stereotype d package which represents an architectural pattern that provides an extensible template for applications within a domain

a structured architecture that enforces a standard or sequence of actions, while a service is a stand-alone but customizable enterprise component, Bone explains

a structured collection of routines (functions, methods, procedures), typically written in an object-oriented language, designed for reuse to aid in the solving of a specific software development problem

a succinct representation of an information architecture and is an essential part of an enterprise model development methodology

a tool to generate applications within a certain domain

a type of bundle that packages shared resources, such as a dynamic shared library and its associated resource files, header files, and reference documentation

A set of interrelated reusable classes which form the basis for an application.

A collection of interfaces, abstract classes, and concrete classes that work together to provide some function, usually customized by providing custom objects with methods that are called by the framework in some appropriate order. This is different from the more traditional library usage where the application decides which methods to call and when. The VisualAge for Java Record Framework is an example of an object-oriented framework. (This is not to be confused with the generic use of the term framework, which is often used to describe almost anything that acts as a system.) Return to start of Glossary

A subsystem of classes, usually providing a general control structure into which more specific components may be inserted. Frameworks are language-specific, domain-specific software libraries developed by a business with a niche market.

Pre-written code or services made available to aid an applications developer in building their business application. Often the framework will provide much of the "low level plumbing" allowing the applications developer to focus on the business logic. Oracle Forms provides a framework that provides services to update, insert and delete records into the database; and does so in an automatic and "hidden" manner meaning that the applications developer protected from those low level actions. ADF performs the same services in the J2EE world

A SIP stack component that offers the common architecture, generic classes, structures and mechanisms to all other components and allows the user to create specialized services. It adds at a common level that is required to support the M5T SAFE product line such as: IP, TLS sockets, Kerberos, S/MIME, Crypto algorithms, Certificate and Secure RND.

A way to package a logically-related set of classes, protocols and functions together with localized strings, on-line documentation, and other pertinent files. OPENSTEP provides the Foundation framework and the Application Kit framework, among others. Frameworks are sometimes referred to as ``kits.''

A micro-architecture that provides an extensible template for applications within a specific domain.

A component that allows its functionality to be extended by writing plug-in modules ("framework extensions"). The extension developer writes classes that derive from interfaces defined by the framework. The framework loads the required extensions during run-time. Symbian OS uses frameworks extensively, including UIKON, ESOCK, and ETel. See also: framework extension  polymorphic DLL

A type of bundle that packages a dynamic shared library with the resources that the library requires, including header files and reference documentation. Note that the Kernel framework (which contains the I/O Kit headers) contains no dynamic shared library. All library-type linking for the Kernel framework is done using the mach_kernel file itself and kernel extensions. This linking is actually static (with vtable patch-ups) in implementation

A specification or implementation (i.e., a collection of classes) that provide a general solution to some problem or aspect of applications. A framework is usually refined to address the specific problem through specialization or additional types or classes. MacAPP, Motif, and the Common Object Request Broker Architecture (CORBA) are examples of frameworks.

1) A supporting structure around which something can be built. 2) A basic form or outline. 3) A set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood (frame of reference).

1. A structure for supporting or enclosing something else, especially a skeletal support used as the basis for something being constructed. 2. An external work platform; a scaffold. 3. A fundamental structure, as for a written work. 4. A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality.

The basic structure supporting the installed fabric and gates, namely the posts, top rails, braces and bottom rail (when specified).

the underlying structure; "restoring the framework of the bombed building"; "it is part of the fabric of society"

a structure supporting or containing something

a key important structure for us and the reappearance of costs in this make it imperative that we maintain that tool

a logical structure for classifying and organizing models, and a generic classification scheme

a mathematical model for a physical structure in which each vertex v corresponds to an idealized ball joint located at p(v), and each edge corresponds to a rigid rod connecting the joints corresponding to its endpoints

an information structure that describes the big picture, from high level objectives to detail tasks

a skeletal structure designed to support or enclose something

a structured container for holding and interconnecting things

a structure that helps you organize your thoughts and analyze the case in a logical manner

a structure assembled from long thin parts called members e.g. a pylon or girder bridge.

The metal understructure that supports the porcelain in dental crowns and bridges.

a structure assembled from long thin parts as in a pylon or girder bridge. Your pupils can make frameworks from drinking straws

a generalised model structure for a system.

A supporting or underlying structure - can be physical or conceptual.

Structure (structure du message)

broad organizing structure for the essential knowledge and skills in a program area.

The skeletal structure of a building.

a set of new tools designed to make cross-platform development simple

a set of tools centered around the XNA Studio game development platform, a " Visual Studio for game development" which provides versions of key production tools such as asset management , defect tracking , project automation and work lists

a valuable tool because it tracks these flows in a consistent manner for regions of any scale over time

Tool that allows to software developers accelerate time and to resolve common problems.(Jakarta Struts).

a set of mechanisms for linking two or more tools, providing them with an infrastructure for tool integration.

a guide to aid teachers, community members, and school administrators in curriculum and program development

a guide to analysis

a guide to those developers, not a institution that should be adhered to as the only way to develop

a way for a consultant to bill more time to a project

a way of doing things -- a way of designing and implementing the evaluation process, to help you to clarify what you want to know, who will use the evaluation results, and how the results will be used

a way to make certain tasks easier

A protocol used by several different types of object cooperating to implement a particular function. An individual class or instance object has a public interface which describes the way you communicate with that object. A framework describes the way in which different types of object interact together. For example, the public interface to an OrderedCollection describes how you can add, retrieve and remove elements. The Collection framework describes how OrderedCollections (and other types of collection) communicate with the objects they are storing as elements.

a set of common and prefabricated software building blocks that programmers can use, extend or customize for specific computing solutions

a set of standards and interfaces for programming

a toolkit, just like a Lego set, that you can use to build a variety

a well-defined, tightly integrated set of services that tend to be repeated in each application, such as security, exception handling, accessing mainframe programs and performance logging

a set of concepts and practices that make up the basis of the University's code of practice

A framework is an extensible structure for describing a set of concepts, methods, technologies, and cultural changes necessary for a complete product design and manufacturing process. Framework products are most prevalent in the area of Electrical and Electronic design. Frameworks provide a mechanism that guides users through a proper order of steps, applications, and data conversions via a common interface to the process being followed.