Term of the Moment
de facto standard
Definition: toolkit
A single utility program, a set of software routines or a complete integrated set of software utilities that are used to develop and maintain applications and databases. There are toolkits for developing almost anything. See tool, developer's toolkit, library, class library and CASE.
A Whole Lot of Tools
Sometimes You Need a Real Tool!
This logo is used for Red Gate Software's family of database utilities. The toolkit/toolbox metaphor is widely used by software vendors. (Image courtesy of Red Gate Software Ltd.)
Two-pound hammers are not part of a software toolkit; however, years ago, in order to debug the Windows version of this encyclopedia, the text had to be scrolled until it crashed. Rather than press the mouse button for several minutes, the weight of the hammer did the job. Were more sophisticated methods available? Sure. But this was the quick way.