What does the term ‘software libraries’ refer to in software development?

The term 'software libraries' in software development refers to collections of reusable code components and resources. These libraries provide developers with pre-written code that can be used to perform common tasks, such as data manipulation, communication, and user interface design, allowing for greater efficiency and productivity. By utilizing software libraries, developers can avoid the need to write code from scratch for standard functions, which not only saves time but also enhances the quality and reliability of the software since these libraries are typically well-tested.

In contrast to the other options, physical books on software engineering do not constitute software libraries, as they are static resources for learning rather than dynamic collections of code. Online forums serve as platforms for discussion and knowledge sharing among developers but do not provide the actual reusable code components that software libraries do. Lastly, software manufacturing facilities pertain to the physical production of software products and are not related to the conceptual framework of reusable code resources.