What is the purpose of a programming library?

A programming library serves to encapsulate commonly used functions and routines, making it easier for developers to utilize pre-written code instead of writing everything from scratch. This can lead to increased efficiency in development, as programmers can focus on the unique aspects of their project while relying on the library to handle standard operations. Libraries often contain a wide range of functions that are tested and optimized, which also helps in maintaining consistency and reliability in the code.

The other options provided do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of a programming library. Although security and error prevention are important aspects of programming, they are not the main focus of a library. Similarly, executing code directly on hardware or enabling compilation over the internet describe different functionalities related to software development but do not capture the essence of what a programming library provides.