Practical computer systems divide software into three major classes: system software,
programming software and application software, although the distinction is somewhat arbitrary, and
often blurred.
System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes
operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more.
The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible
from the details of the particular computer complex being use, especially memory and other
hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays,
keyboards, etc.
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer
programs and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools
include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may
not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreter, debugging, tracing, and etc.,
because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.
Application software allows humans to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer
related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational
software, medical software, databases and computer games. Businesses are probably the biggest
users of application software, but almost every field of human activity (from a-bombs to zymurgy)
now uses some form of application software. It is used to automate all sorts of functions. Many
examples may be found at the Business Software Directory.
Software program and library
A software program may not be sufficiently complete for execution by a computer. In
particular, it may require additional software from a software library in order to be complete. Such a
library may include software components used by stand-alone programs, but which cannot be
executed on their own. Thus, programs may include standard routines that are common to many
programs, extracted from these libraries. Libraries may also include 'stand-alone' programs which
are activated by some computer event and/or perform some function (e.g., of computer
'housekeeping') but do not return data to their activating program. Programs may be called by other
programs and/or may call other programs.
programming software and application software, although the distinction is somewhat arbitrary, and
often blurred.
System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes
operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more.
The purpose of systems software is to insulate the applications programmer as much as possible
from the details of the particular computer complex being use, especially memory and other
hardware features, and such accessory devices as communications, printers, readers, displays,
keyboards, etc.
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer
programs and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools
include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on. An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may
not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreter, debugging, tracing, and etc.,
because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.
Application software allows humans to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer
related) tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational
software, medical software, databases and computer games. Businesses are probably the biggest
users of application software, but almost every field of human activity (from a-bombs to zymurgy)
now uses some form of application software. It is used to automate all sorts of functions. Many
examples may be found at the Business Software Directory.
Software program and library
A software program may not be sufficiently complete for execution by a computer. In
particular, it may require additional software from a software library in order to be complete. Such a
library may include software components used by stand-alone programs, but which cannot be
executed on their own. Thus, programs may include standard routines that are common to many
programs, extracted from these libraries. Libraries may also include 'stand-alone' programs which
are activated by some computer event and/or perform some function (e.g., of computer
'housekeeping') but do not return data to their activating program. Programs may be called by other
programs and/or may call other programs.
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