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While searching through many javascript libraries/frameworks, I observed that the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

So, conceptually is it important to distinguish between framework and library?

Do people seriously make their decisions based on whether it is a library or framework?

Would a user like to browse two separate areas - libraries and frameworks while looking for a solution?

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I'd say the answer is no, but this has been answered before: stackoverflow.com/questions/11576018/… –  dcaswell Aug 25 '13 at 14:04
    
A framework does inversion of control. A library does not. stackoverflow.com/questions/148747/… –  Benjamin Gruenbaum Aug 25 '13 at 14:29
    
@user814064, Benjamin - I can differentiate between two; My only concern is - do the community care about this differentiation? –  akp Aug 26 '13 at 5:41

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So, conceptually is it important to distinguish between framework and library?

Yes, it is. A framework and a library are fundamentally different. The defining characteristic of a framework is inversion of control: when you use a library, you call the library; when you use a framework, the framework calls you.

So, they are not just "different", they are in fact exact opposites in some sense.

Do people seriously make their decisions based on whether it is a library or framework?

Yes, of course. Building a solution with a library vs. a framework yields completely different (again, in some sense opposite) design. With a framework, the entire structure of your code will be "inside-out" compared to with a library.

Would a user like to browse two separate areas - libraries and frameworks while looking for a solution?

Highly likely. I know I would.

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