In the realm of computer programming, distinguishing between an API (Application Programming Interface) and a library can be challenging for both novice and experienced developers. A library is a collection of pre-compiled functions and routines that developers can use to expedite the software development process by reusing code, whereas an API is a set of protocols and tools that allow different software programs to communicate with each other, providing a consistent method for accessing the underlying methods and classes of a library or application. While a library contains the actual code to be reused, an API serves as the interface that facilitates interaction between different running codes. An API may comprise multiple libraries to perform specific actions, and when combined with other development tools, it can form a Software Development Kit (SDK). Additionally, a framework, which is another concept in programming, offers a foundational structure to streamline application development and may also include several libraries.