title: Is there still a difference between a library and an API?
body: <p>Whenever I ask people about the difference between an API and a library, I get different opinions.  Some give <a href="http://mail.python.org/pipermail/tutor/2002-May/014458.html" rel="noreferrer">this kind</a> of definition, saying that an API is a spec and a library is an implementation...</p>
  
  <p>Some will tell you <a href="http://www.edaboard.com/thread87869.html" rel="noreferrer">this type</a> of definition, that an API is a bunch of mapped out functions, and a Library is just the distribution in compiled form.</p>
  
  <p>All this makes me wonder, in a world of web code, frameworks and open-source, is there really a practical difference anymore?  Could a library like jQuery or cURL crossover into the definition of an API?  </p>
  
  <p>Also, do frameworks cross over into this category at all?  Is there part of Rails or Zend that could be more "API-like," or "libraryesque"?</p>
  
  <p>Really looking forward to some enlightening thoughts :)</p>