What is the role of a library in programming?

The role of a library in programming is to serve as a collection of pre-written code that developers can reuse in their own programs. This code can include functions, classes, and methods that perform specific tasks, allowing programmers to avoid rewriting common functionality from scratch. By utilizing libraries, programmers can save time, reduce errors, and streamline their workflow since they can rely on tested and reliable code that fits their needs.

Libraries can cater to a wide range of programming tasks, from handling complex mathematical computations to managing file input/output, making graphical user interfaces, or even connecting to databases and performing network operations. This modularity and reusability are central concepts in software development, promoting efficient coding practices.

The other options do not accurately reflect the purpose or nature of a library in programming. For instance, while some libraries might include graphics-related code, they certainly do not store only graphics files; they encompass a much broader range of functionality. Similarly, libraries go beyond mere documentation—they provide actionable code for implementation rather than just information about how to use programming constructs. The mention of variables also describes a completely different concept in programming; variables are used to store data rather than serve as collections of reusable code.