Are programming libraries typically compiled or precompiled?

Programming libraries are usually precompiled, which means that the code is compiled into a binary format before it is used by programs. This precompilation allows developers to save time during the build process, as they do not need to compile the library code every time they compile their application. Instead, they can link to the precompiled binary, which optimizes performance and ensures that the libraries are ready to be used directly.

The precompiled nature of libraries also helps with compatibility across various development environments, assuming the proper conditions are met for the platforms targeted. This approach contrasts with other options, such as being always hand-coded or interpreted, which do not align with the typical practices in software development surrounding libraries.