While often confused, a Design System is much more than a Component Library. A Component Library is a collection of reusable UI elements (like buttons and inputs) built in code. It provides the "parts" needed for development.
A Design System, conversely, is a comprehensive, single source of truth. It includes the Component Library but also encompasses non-code elements like design principles, brand guidelines, best practices, voice and tone, and dоcumentation. Its purpose is to ensure consistency, quality, and scalability across entire product ecosystems, uniting design and development teams under a shared vision.