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The class library- framework continuum

While clear differences exist between class libraries and frameworks, some libraries exhibit framework-like behavior, and some frameworks can be used like class libraries. You can view this as a continuum, with traditional class libraries at one end and sophisticated frameworks at the other, as suggested by Figure 17. All frameworks, including Taligent's frameworks, fall somewhere along this continuum.


For example, the higher-level application frameworks in the CommonPoint system are designed for customization (usually but not exclusively by subclassing) and therefore fall toward the framework side of the continuum shown in Figure 17. In contrast, lower-level parts of the system, such as Data Structures and Collections, tend to be used by most programmers as libraries and therefore fall toward the library side of the continuum (though system programmers and other specialists may customize them). Mid-level frameworks such as those provided by the Graphics system tend to be subclassed and customized by developers for subsequent use as libraries elsewhere in the same program.


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