The distinction between a library and a framework lies primarily in their control flow and how they interact with the developer's code. Here are the key differences:

Library

• Definition: A library is a collection of pre-written code that developers can call upon to solve common tasks, add functionalities, or perform complex operations.
• Usage: Developers have the freedom to choose which functions or classes from the library they want to use and when to use them. The control is entirely in the hands of the developer.
• Integration: Libraries are typically integrated into existing projects to provide specific functionalities. They do not dictate the overall structure of the application.
• Example: jQuery is a well-known JavaScript library that provides a range of utilities for tasks like DOM manipulation, event handling, and AJAX requests.

Framework

• Definition: A framework is a comprehensive platform that provides a foundation and structure for developing software applications.
• Usage: A framework dictates the architecture of the application and provides predefined ways to handle things like routing, state management, and data access. Developers build their applications by following the framework's guidelines and filling in the specific details.
• Integration: Frameworks require the developer to adhere to its conventions and architecture. It often has an "inversion of control," where the framework calls the developer's code at predefined points.
• Example: Angular is a full-fledged framework for building web applications, providing tools and conventions for everything from data binding and dependency injection to form validation and HTTP communication.

Why React is Considered "Just" a Library

React is often described as a library rather than a framework because of the following reasons:

• Focused Scope: React primarily focuses on building user interfaces, specifically the view layer in an MVC (Model-View-Controller) architecture. It does not provide solutions for routing, state management, or data fetching out of the box.
• Flexibility: Developers can integrate React into any part of their application and use it alongside other libraries and frameworks. It doesn't enforce a specific project structure or workflow.
• Control: With React, the control remains with the developer. They decide when and how to render components and manage state. React doesn't impose a rigid structure or control flow.
• Ecosystem: While React itself is just a library for building UI components, there is a rich ecosystem of tools and libraries (like Redux for state management, React Router for routing) that can be combined with React to create a full-fledged framework-like experience. However, these are optional and not a part of React's core.

In summary, React is "just" a library because it provides a focused set of tools for building UI components without imposing a broader architectural framework on the developer. This gives developers the flexibility to integrate React into existing projects and use it in conjunction with other tools and libraries as needed.