What is one major advantage of using a programming library?

A major advantage of using a programming library is that the code has already been tested. When developers utilize a library, they benefit from code that has undergone debugging and validation by its creators. This prior testing helps to ensure that the functionality provided by the library is reliable and minimizes the chances of introducing bugs into the user’s own code. By leveraging well-tested libraries, developers can save time and resources, allowing them to focus more on other aspects of their projects without worrying about the reliability of foundational functions or features. This benefit is particularly important in software development, where maintaining high-quality code is crucial for the overall success of an application.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics of programming libraries. While some libraries may be free, this is not universally true, as many libraries have licensing fees. Additionally, libraries can be composed of multiple files rather than being limited to a single file. Lastly, while libraries provide a wealth of functionality, they do not eliminate the need for documentation, which is essential for understanding how to implement and utilize the library effectively.