framework

A framework, or software framework, is a platform for developing software applications.

It provides a foundation on which software developers can build programs for a specific platform. For example, a framework may include predefined classes and functions that can be used to process input, manage hardware devices, and interact with system software.

In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.