What is a collection of pre-created routines and modules that can be reused by programmers?

The correct answer is a library, which is a collection of pre-created routines and modules designed to simplify the programming process by allowing developers to reuse code. When programmers utilize a library, they can efficiently implement specific functionalities without needing to write the code from scratch, leading to increased productivity and consistency in development.

Libraries typically provide a set of functions that perform common tasks—everything from mathematical computations to data manipulation. By incorporating a library into their projects, programmers can focus on building their applications' unique features, relying on established code for standard tasks. This modular approach not only enhances code quality through the use of proven, tested routines but also accelerates the overall development process.

In contrast, while a framework also consists of reusable code, it comes with a more structured approach and often dictates the architecture and workflow of the application. An API, or application programming interface, serves as a bridge for developers to interact with external services or software components, but it isn’t necessarily a collection of pre-written code routines in the same way a library is. A database, on the other hand, refers to a structured set of data held in a computer, which is not directly related to reusable programming code.