View source for Application software

{{Short description|Any computer program for end-user use}}
[[File:Windows 10 Calculator.png|thumb|[[Windows Calculator|A calculator application]] on [[Windows 10]]]]
'''Application [[software]]''' is any [[computer program]] that is intended for [[end-user]] use {{endash}} not [[computer operator|operating]], [[system administration|administering]] or [[computer programming|programming]] the computer. An '''application''' ('''app''', '''application program''', '''software application''') is any program that can be categorized as application software.<ref>{{OED|application software|id=9705}}</ref>{{Ref RFC|4949|notes=no}} Common types of applications include [[word processor]], [[Media player (software)|media player]] and [[accounting software]]. 

The term ''application software'' refers to all applications collectively<ref>{{cite web |title=Application software |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/37919/application-program |work=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> and can be used to differentiate from [[system software|system]] and [[utility software|utility]] software.

Applications may be bundled with the [[computer]] and its system software or published separately. Applications may be [[proprietary software|proprietary]] or [[Open-source software|open-source]].<ref name=":1">{{cite web|last = Ryan|first = Thorne|url = https://arbiteronline.com/2013/03/14/caffeine-and-computer-screens-student-programmers-endure-weekend-long-appathon/|title = Caffeine and computer screens: student programmers endure weekend long appathon|website = The Arbiter|date = 2013-03-14|access-date = 2015-10-12|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160709054212/https://arbiteronline.com/2013/03/14/caffeine-and-computer-screens-student-programmers-endure-weekend-long-appathon/|archive-date=2016-07-09|url-status=dead}}
</ref>

The short term ''app'' (coined in 1981 or earlier<ref>{{Cite web|title=The History of 'App' and the Demise of the Programmer
| author= Thom Holwerda
| date = 24 June 2011
|url=https://www.osnews.com/story/24882/the-history-of-app-and-the-demise-of-the-programmer/|access-date=2023-01-12|website=osnews.com}}</ref>) became popular with the 2008 introduction of the [[App Store (Apple)|iOS App Store]], to refer to [[Mobile app|applications for mobile devices]] such as [[smartphone]]s and [[Tablet computer|tablets]]. Later, with introduction of the [[Mac App Store]] (in 2010) and [[Windows Store]] (in 2011), the term was extended in popular use to include desktop applications.

== Terminology ==
The delineation between system software such as [[operating system]]s and application software is not exact and is occasionally the object of controversy.<ref name=cutter /> For example, one of the key questions in the ''[[United States v. Microsoft Corp. (2001)|United States v. Microsoft Corp.]]'' [[antitrust]] trial was whether Microsoft's [[Internet Explorer]] [[web browser]] was part of its [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] operating system or a separate piece of application software.  As another example, the [[GNU/Linux naming controversy]] is, in part, due to disagreement about the relationship between the [[Linux kernel]] and the operating systems built over this [[Kernel (operating system)|kernel]]. In some types of [[embedded system]]s, the application software and the operating system software may be indistinguishable by the user, as in the case of software used to control a [[Videocassette recorder|VCR]], [[DVD]] player, or [[microwave oven]]. The above definitions may exclude some applications that may exist on some computers in large organizations. For an alternative definition of an app: '' see [[Application portfolio management#Definition of an application|Application Portfolio Management]].''

When used as an adjective, ''application'' is not restricted to mean: of or on application software.<ref name=cutter>{{Cite web|title=Application Package Software: The Promise Vs. Reality | website= Cutter Consortium
| last1=Ulrich|first1=William
| date=August 31, 2006 | series=Cutter Benchmark Review 
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160202225513/https://www.cutter.com/article/application-package-software-promise-vs-reality-393871
| archive-date= 2 February 2016
| url-status=live
|url=https://www.cutter.com/article/application-package-software-promise-vs-reality-393871|access-date=2023-01-12}}</ref> For example, concepts such as [[application programming interface]] (API), [[application server]], [[application virtualization]], [[application lifecycle management]] and [[portable application]] apply to all computer programs alike, not just application software.

===Killer app===

Sometimes a new and popular application arises that only runs on one [[Computing platform|platform]] that results in increasing the desirability of that platform. This is called a [[killer application]] or ''killer app'', coined in the late 1980s.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Dvorak |first=John |author-link=John C. Dvorak |date=1989-07-01 |title=Looking to OS/2 for the next killer app is barking up the wrong tree. Here's where they really come from. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CbsaONN5y1IC&pg=PP75 |magazine=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2023-03-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dictionary.com/browse/killer-app |title=killer app |author=<!--Not stated--> |website=dictionary.com  |access-date=2023-03-26 |quote=Origin of killer app 1985–1990}}</ref> For example, [[VisiCalc]] was the first modern [[spreadsheet]] software for the Apple II and helped sell the then-new [[personal computer]]s into offices. For the [[BlackBerry]], it was its [[email]] software.

===Platform specific naming===

Some applications are available for multiple platforms while others only work on one and are thus called, for example, a [[Geographic information system|geography]] application ''for [[Microsoft Windows]]'', or an ''[[Android (operating system)|Android]]'' application for [[Educational software|education]], or a [[Linux gaming|''Linux'' game]].

== Classification ==
There are many different and alternative ways to classify application software.

From the legal point of view, application software is mainly classified with a [[black box|black-box approach]], about the rights of its [[end user|end-user]]s or [[subscribers]] (with eventual intermediate and tiered subscription levels).

[[Software testing|Software]] applications are also classified with respect to the programming language in which the source code is written or executed, and concerning their purpose and outputs.

=== By property and use rights ===
Application software is usually distinguished into two main classes: closed source vs [[open source software]] applications, and [[free software|free]] or [[proprietary software]] applications.

Proprietary software is placed under the exclusive copyright, and a [[software license]] grants limited usage rights. The [[open-closed principle]] states that software may be "open only for extension, but not for modification". Such applications can only get [[Plug-in (computing)|add-ons]] from third parties.

[[Free and open-source software|Free and open-source software (FOSS)]] shall be run, distributed, sold, or extended for any purpose, and -being open- shall be modified or [[reverse engineering|reversed]] in the same way.

FOSS software applications released under a [[free license]] may be [[List of countries' copyright lengths|perpetual]] and also [[royalty-free]]. Perhaps, the [[ownership|owner]], the [[holder (law)|holder]] or third-party [[law enforcer|enforcer]] of any right ([[copyright]], [[trademark]], [[patent]], or ''[[ius in re|ius in re aliena]]'') are entitled to add exceptions, limitations, time decays or expiring dates to the license terms of use.

[[Public-domain software]] is a type of FOSS which is royalty-free and - openly or reservedly- can be run, distributed, modified, reversed, republished, or created in derivative works without any [[attribution (copyright)|copyright attribution]] and therefore [[revocation]]. It can even be sold, but without transferring the public domain property to other single subjects. Public-domain SW can be released under a (un)licensing legal statement, which enforces those terms and conditions for an indefinite duration (for a lifetime, or forever).

=== By coding language ===
Since the development and near-universal adoption of the [[World Wide Web|web]], an important distinction that has emerged, has been between [[web application]]s &mdash; written with [[HTML]], [[JavaScript]] and other web-native technologies and typically requiring one to be online and running a [[web browser]] &mdash; and the more traditional native applications written in whatever languages are available for one's particular [[Types of computers|type of computer]]. There has been a contentious debate in the computing community regarding web applications replacing native applications for many purposes, especially on mobile devices such as [[smartphone]]s and [[Tablet computer|tablet]]s. Web apps have indeed greatly increased in popularity for some uses, but the advantages of applications make them unlikely to disappear soon, if ever. Furthermore, the two can be complementary, and even integrated.<ref>{{cite news|first=Jean-Louis |last=Gassée |title=The Silly Web vs. Native Apps Debate |date=2012-09-17 |url=http://www.thisurlisfalse.com/the-silly-web-vs-native-apps-debate/ |access-date=2013-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415200141/http://www.thisurlisfalse.com/the-silly-web-vs-native-apps-debate/ |archive-date=2016-04-15 }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite news | first = Casey | last = Frechette | title = What journalists need to know about the difference between Web apps and native apps | date = 2013-04-11 | url = https://www.poynter.org/news/what-journalists-need-know-about-difference-between-web-apps-and-native-apps | work = Poynter | access-date = 2017-01-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Andrew |last=Valums |title=Web apps vs desktop apps |date=2010-02-10 |url=http://valums.com/web-apps/ |work=valums.com |access-date=2013-07-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130402210926/http://valums.com/web-apps/ |archive-date=2013-04-02 }}</ref>

=== By purpose and output ===
Application software can also be seen as being either [[horizontal market software|horizontal]] or [[vertical market software|vertical]].<ref>{{cite web|title=What Is a Horizontal Application?|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-horizontal-application.htm}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{cite web|title=What Are Horizontal Services? |url=http://eduunix.ccut.edu.cn/index2/html/java/Que.Special.Edition.Using.Enterprise.JavaBeans.2.0.internal.eBook-LiB/ch21lev1sec1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031211544/http://eduunix.ccut.edu.cn/index2/html/java/Que.Special.Edition.Using.Enterprise.JavaBeans.2.0.internal.eBook-LiB/ch21lev1sec1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-10-31 }}</ref>  Horizontal applications are more popular and widespread, because they are general purpose, for example word processors or databases. Vertical applications are [[niche product]]s, designed for a particular type of industry or business, or department within an organization. Integrated suites of software will try to handle every specific aspect possible of, for example, manufacturing or banking worker, accounting, or customer service.

There are many types of application software:<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.educba.com/what-is-application-software-its-types/|title=What is Application Software & Its Types {{!}} eduCBA|date=2015-12-21|work=eduCBA|access-date=2017-03-24}}</ref>

* An ''[[Software suite|application suite]]'' consists of multiple applications bundled together. They usually have related functions, features, and user interfaces, and may be able to interact with each other, e.g. open each other's files. [[Business software|Business applications]] often come in suites, e.g. [[Microsoft Office]], [[LibreOffice]] and [[iWork]], which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet, etc.; but suites exist for other purposes, e.g. graphics or music.
* ''[[Enterprise software]]'' addresses the needs of an entire organization's processes and data flows, across several departments, often in a large distributed environment.  Examples include [[enterprise resource planning]] systems, [[customer relationship management]] (CRM) systems, [[Replication (computing)|data replication]] engines, and [[supply chain management software]]. Departmental Software is a sub-type of enterprise software with a focus on smaller organizations or groups within a large organization. (Examples include travel [[expense management]] and IT Helpdesk.)
* ''Enterprise infrastructure software'' provides common capabilities needed to support enterprise [[software system]]s.  (Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security.)
*''[[Platform as a service|Application platform as a service (aPaaS)]]'' is a [[cloud computing]] service that offers development and deployment environments for application services.
* ''[[Knowledge worker|Information worker]] software'' lets users create and manage information, often for individual projects within a department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples include [[time management]], [[schedule (workplace)|resource management]], analytical, collaborative and documentation tools. Word processors, [[spreadsheet]]s, email and blog clients, personal information systems, and individual media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks.
* ''Content access software'' is used primarily to access content without editing, but may include software that allows for content editing. Such software addresses the needs of individuals and groups to consume [[digital entertainment]] and published digital content. (Examples include [[Media player (application software)|media players]], [[web browser]]s, and help browsers.)
* ''[[Educational software]]'' is related to content access software, but has the content or features adapted for use by educators or students. For example, it may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include collaborative capabilities.
* ''[[Simulation software]]'' simulates physical or abstract systems for either research, training, or entertainment purposes.
* ''Media development software'' generates print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial or educational setting. This includes [[Graphic art software|graphic-art software]], desktop publishing software, multimedia development software, HTML editors, digital-animation editors, digital audio and video composition, and many others.<ref>Campbell-Kelly, Martin; Aspray, William (1996). ''Computer: A History of the Information Machine''. New York: Basic Books. {{ISBN|0-465-02990-6}}.</ref>
* ''Product engineering software'' is used in developing hardware and software products. This includes [[computer-aided design]] (CAD), [[computer-aided engineering]] (CAE), computer language editing and compiling tools, [[integrated development environment]]s, and application programmer interfaces.
* ''Entertainment Software'' can refer to video games, screen savers, programs to display motion pictures or play recorded music, and other forms of entertainment which can be experienced through the use of a computing device.

=== By platform ===
Applications can also be classified by [[computing platform]]s such as a desktop application for a particular [[operating system]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Definition of desktop application|url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/desktop-application|access-date=2022-01-07|website=PCMAG|language=en}}</ref> delivery network such as in [[cloud computing]] and [[Web 2.0]] applications, or delivery devices such as [[mobile app]]s for [[mobile device]]s.

The operating system itself can be considered application software when performing simple calculating, measuring, rendering, and word processing tasks not used to control hardware via a [[command-line interface]] or [[graphical user interface]]. This does not include application software bundled within operating systems such as a [[software calculator]] or [[text editor]].

=== Information worker software ===
* [[Accounting software]]
* Data management
** [[Contact manager]]
** [[Spreadsheet]]
** [[Database software]]
* Documentation
** [[Document automation]]
** [[Word processor]]
** [[Desktop publishing software]]
** Diagramming software
** [[Presentation software]]
** [[Email]]
** Blog software
* [[Enterprise resource planning]]
* [[:Category:Financial software|Financial software]]
** [[Banking software]]
** [[Clearing (finance)|Clearing systems]]
** [[Accounting software|Financial accounting software]]
** [[Financial software]]
* [[Field service management]]
**[[Workforce management#Workforce management software|Workforce management software]]
* [[Project management software]]
** [[Calendaring software]]
** [[Employee scheduling software]]
** [[Workflow software]]
* [[Reservation systems]]

=== Entertainment software ===
* [[Screen saver]]s
* [[Video game]]s
** [[Arcade video game]]s
** [[Console game]]s
** [[Mobile game]]s
** [[Personal computer game]]s
* [[Software art]]
** [[Demo (computer programming)|Demo]]
*** [[64K intro]]

=== Educational software ===
{{main|List of educational software}}

* Classroom management
* [[Reference software]]
* Sales readiness software
* Survey management
* Encyclopedia software

=== Enterprise infrastructure software ===
* [[Artificial Intelligence for IT Operations]] (AIOps)
* Business [[workflow]] software
* [[Database management system]] (DBMS)
* [[Digital asset management]] (DAM) software
* [[Document management]] software
* [[Geographic information system]] (GIS)

=== Simulation software ===
* [[Computer simulator]]s
** [[Computational science|Scientific simulator]]s
** [[Social simulator]]s
** [[Military simulation|Battlefield simulator]]s
** Emergency simulators
** Vehicle simulators
*** [[Flight simulator]]s
*** [[Driving simulator]]s
** [[Simulation game]]s
*** [[Vehicle simulation game]]s

=== Media development software ===
* [[3D computer graphics software]]
* [[Animation software]]
* [[Graphic art software]]
** [[Raster graphics editor]]
** [[Vector graphics editor]]
* [[Image organizer]]
* [[Video editing software]]
* [[Audio editing software]]
** [[Digital audio workstation]]
* [[Music sequencer]]
** [[Scorewriter]]
* [[HTML editor]]
* [[Game development tool]]

=== Product engineering software ===
* [[Engineering|Hardware engineering]]
** [[Computer-aided engineering]]
** [[Computer-aided design|Computer-aided design (CAD)]]
** [[Computer-aided manufacturing|Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)]]
** [[Finite element analysis]]

=== [[Software engineering]]===
* [[Compiler|Compiler software]]
* [[Integrated development environment]]
** [[Compiler]]
** [[Linker (computing)|Linker]]
** [[Debugger]]
* [[Version control]]
* [[Game development tool]]
* [[License manager]]

== See also ==
* {{annotated link|Software development}}
* {{annotated link|Mobile app}}
* {{annotated link|Web application}}
* {{annotated link|Server application}}
* {{annotated link|Super-app}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons}}
* {{Wikiversity inline}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Application software| ]]