Application software

Application software is a type of software that people use to do things, not to run or manage a computer. It includes programs like word processors, web browsers, media players, and apps on phones and tablets that help us with everyday tasks. These programs are made to help users do specific things easily, like writing a story, watching a video, or browsing the internet.

Unlike system software, which manages the computer's inner workings, application software helps solve problems and makes tasks easier for the user. It turns the complex abilities of a computer into simple actions we can understand and use.

The word "app" became popular in 2008 when the iOS App Store launched, referring to programs for smartphones and tablets. Later, stores like the Mac App Store and the Windows Store used "app" for all kinds of programs, no matter what device they run on. Applications can come with the computer or be downloaded separately, and they can be private or open for anyone to use.

Terminology

Meaning program and software

When we talk about "application," it can mean many things. Ideas like application programming interface, application server, application virtualization, application lifecycle management, and portable application describe programs and software in general ways.

Distinction between system and application software

It can be hard to tell apart system software and application software. For example, during a big legal case called United States v. Microsoft Corp., people argued about whether Microsoft’s Internet Explorer web browser was part of its Windows operating system or a separate tool. In some machines, like a VCR, DVD player, or microwave oven, the software that runs them can feel like both system and application software to the person using it.

Killer application

A killer application is a special tool that becomes so popular that many people want to buy the device it runs on just to use that tool. For example, VisiCalc was an early spreadsheet program for the Apple II that helped make personal computers popular in offices. For the BlackBerry phone, its email tool was the killer application.

Software suite

A software suite is a group of different tools that work together. These tools usually have related jobs, features, and looks, and can often share files with each other. For example, Microsoft Office, LibreOffice, and iWork are suites that include a word processor, a spreadsheet tool, and more. Suites can also be made for other jobs, like drawing pictures or making music.

Ways to classify

There are many ways to sort applications because they have different features. One way is by legal rules. Some software is owned by a company and you need special permission to use it. Other software is free to use, change, and share.

Applications can also be sorted by where they run. Some work on your computer’s main system, some run inside a web browser, and others work on mobile devices like phones or tablets.

Applications can be for general use, like word processors, or for specific jobs, like tools for banks or factories. They can also be for different purposes, like helping workers share information, watching videos, learning new things in school, or creating art and music.

Taxonomy

This part talks about different kinds of programs people use on computers and devices. There are many ways to group these programs, and this is just one way. Each type is placed in only one group, even if it could belong in more than one.

General-purpose

Some programs help with everyday tasks, like:

• Calculator
• Spreadsheet
• Web browser
• Web mapping
• E-commerce
• Social media

Communication

Programs that help people talk and share include:

• Chat
• Email
• Presentation software
• Phone
• Messages
• Networking software
• Web conferencing

Documentation

Tools for making and organizing documents are:

• Desktop publishing software
• Document automation
• Text editor
• Word processor

Data management

Programs that help keep and find information include:

• Building information management
• Contact manager
• Content management system
• Database management system
• Digital asset management
• Document management
• Geographic information system

Resource management

Tools for planning and organizing resources are:

• Booking software
• Digital calendar
• Employee scheduling software
• Enterprise resource planning
• Event log
• Field service management
  • Workforce management software
• File manager
• Productivity software
• Project management software
• Reservation systems
• Server management system
• Settings
• Workflow software

Financial software

Further information: Category:Financial software

Financial tools include:

• Banking software
• Clearing systems
• Accounting software

Educational

Further information: List of educational software

Video game

Games you can play on different devices include:

• Arcade video game
• Console game
• Mobile game
• Personal computer game
• Simulation game
  • Vehicle simulation game

Simulation

Programs that mimic real-life situations are:

• Computational science
• Social simulation
• Military simulation
• Flight simulator
• Driving simulator

Media

Tools for creating and editing pictures, videos, and music include:

• 3D computer graphics software
• Animation software
• Demoscene
• Graphic art software
  • Raster graphics editor
  • Vector graphics editor
• Image organizer
• Video editing software
• Audio editing software
  • Digital audio workstation
• Music sequencer
  • Scorewriter
• News
• Screen capturing
• Software art

Engineering software such as Hardware engineering

Programs that help design and build things include:

• Computer-aided design
• Computer-aided engineering
• Computer-aided manufacturing
• Finite element analysis

Software development

Tools for making new programs include:

• Integrated development environment
• Game development tool
• HTML editor
• License manager
• Source code editor
• Version control