Is Spring a framework or a library? What is the difference between a framework and a library?

Spring is a framework.

Difference between a framework and a library:

• Library is a set of ready-made functions or classes that a developer calls at their discretion. Control over the flow of execution remains with the developer.

• Framework is the application skeleton that defines the structure and flow of execution. The developer writes code that integrates into the framework, and the framework calls this code at the appropriate time (Inversion of Control).

Spring provides a comprehensive set of tools for developing applications in Java, including dependency management (IoC), aspect-oriented programming, database integration, web development, and much more. It defines the architecture of the application and manages the lifecycle of components, which is characteristic of a framework.