Application software meaning

Abstraction makes applications easier to view and use. Figuratively speaking, applications sit on top of systems software because they are unable to run without the operating system and system utilities. Systems software consists of low-level programs that interact with the computer at a very basic level. This includes operating systems , compilers , and utilities for managing computer resources.

Operating systems are software that tell the computer hardware what to do. Operating systems manage all of the basic instructions for computers. They also affect what applications can be downloaded and run on a computer or mobile device. Developers have many different options for getting their applications to end users.

Today, many applications are delivered as Web applications. The code for these applications resides on a Web server , and users access the application via a Web browser. Common examples of Web applications include Web-based email, social media platforms, wikis, and online auctions.

The distinctions between Web applications and websites can be a bit fuzzy. However, in general, websites have primarily static content with few interactive elements, while Web applications have primarily dynamic content and are designed for user interaction.

A third type, software-as-a-service SaaS applications, is closely related to Web applications. As with Web applications, users generally access SaaS applications via a Web browser. However, some SaaS applications can also be accessed via a native mobile app on a device like a smartphone or a tablet. Also, user data for a SaaS application is stored in a cloud computing environment which may or may not be the case for Web applications , and many SaaS applications charge a subscription fee, which is less common for Web applications.

Well-known examples of SaaS applications include Salesforce. Many people use the words app and application interchangeably, but purists will tell you that the two are slightly different. App is used to describe a type of application that has a single functionality, whereas an application may handle a number of functions.

This article was updated April by Jenna Phipps. White papers from our partners. WinZip Enterprise. Barracuda MSP. The state of Office Backup. Instead of interacting with the user, the system software interacts with other software or hardware. Privacy Policy. Alexander Sword. Last Updated : 18 Jun, Next What are different roles in DevOps? Recommended Articles. Article Contributed By :. Easy Normal Medium Hard Expert. Writing code in comment?

Please use ide. Load Comments. What's New. Most popular in Software Engineering.