What is Software?

Key Takeaways

• Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to operate.
• Unlike hardware, which is tangible equipment, software is simply a piece of code that acts as the foundation of a computer program.
• There are various types of software, each playing unique roles within a computing system.
• Since its inception in the 1940s, software has evolved to power modern innovations in fields like AI, finance, and healthcare.

In a world run by computers, technical jargon is a regular part of our vocabulary. The word “software” is among the most common terms you’ll hear – but could you explain what software actually means?

In this article, we’ll tackle the definition of software, explaining the fundamentals, and providing concrete examples that show how this technology works. Let’s get into it.

What is Software?

Software is a set of instructions or data that tells a computer how to operate. Unlike physical hardware, which consists of the tangible components of a computer (like the CPU, hard drive, and RAM), software is intangible—it exists as code, enabling computers to perform specific tasks. These range from system operations to specific applications like word processing, scripts, or browsing the web.

The majority of software is written in high-level programming languages due to the language being closer to natural human language as opposed to machine language. Consequently, the high-level language is then translated into low-level machine code using a compiler or interpreter for the computer to understand. It can also be written in a low-level assembly language, but it is less common.

Hardware and Software – What’s the Difference?

While hardware refers to the physical components of a computer system, software is the digital instructions that drive those components. Here’s a comparison of key differences between hardware and software:

How Does Software Work?

Software operates by communicating with a computer’s hardware, giving it instructoins on how to function.

When a program runs, the software sends coded instructions to the CPU (the hardware “brain” of the computer), which processes these commands and takes the desired action. This interaction is what allows you, the end user, to use applications, control devices, and execute complex tasks. Modern software is often layered, meaning multiple programs and instructions work together to achieve a single task.

An Example

Let’s use an example to illustrate.

Let’s say John opens his photo editing app to start a new project. When he opens the program, his computer’s software sends commands to the CPU and RAM, giving them instructions on how to work together to run the app.

As John edits, the software translates his actions into further digital commands, while the hardware components like the CPU, RAM, and GPU work together to display the changes in real-time. When he saves his work, the software formats it, and the hardware stores it on the device. Together, the hardware and software create a seamless experience, allowing John to focus on the art.

Key Characteristics of Software

Software has several important characteristics that also distinguish it from hardware:

• Intangible: Exists as code or data but not as a physical object.
• Easy to Duplicate: Can be copied or moved across devices.
• Prone to Bugs: Often contains errors that require regular updates.
• Customizable: Can be modified to meet user or system needs.
• Evolving: Regularly updated to improve functionality, security, or compatibility.

Examples and Types of Software

Software comes in various types, each serving different roles within a computing system. Below is a summary of major types of software and where each is commonly used:

Application Software

Application software, also known as “apps,” is designed to help users accomplish specific tasks. For example, productivity tools like Microsoft Office, web browsers like Internet Explorer, and Chrome, and multimedia software like Adobe Photoshop. Accordingly, applications are essential for day-to-day computer use, as they allow users to perform targeted activities like creating documents, browsing the web, and editing images.

Types of Application Software

• Productivity Software: It enables tasks such as document creation and presentations.
• Database Software: Manages large amounts of data efficiently. It’s also known as database management software (DBMS)
• Entertainment Software: Includes games, streaming, and music applications.
• Educational Software: Designed for teaching or learning.
• Web Browsers: Applications for internet browsing.
• Email Programs: This software is used in emails and programs such as Outlook or Gmail. 

System Software

System software is essential for managing the core functions of a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or other devices. In other words, this includes operating systems (such as Windows, macOS, or Linux) that manage hardware resources and utility programs that perform maintenance and optimization tasks. TCP/IP is part of all major operating systems and it allows computers to communicate over networks.

Types of System Software

• Operating Systems: Control hardware resources and provide users with an interface.
• Utilities: This code performs maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and also security scans.
• Firmware: Embedded code in devices that enables communication with the operating system (BIOS).

System Software vs Application Software

SaaS vs. On-Premise – Software Deployment Options

Software can be deployed in a few different ways, the two most common being cloud computing and on-premise.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet rather than having local servers or personal devices handle applications. Computing services can include servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence. These services are moved outside an organization’s firewall and can be accessed via the web. Software as a Service (SaaS) is a cloud computing service model that provides access to software, its functions, and subsequent updates remotely from a third party, called an Application Service Provider (ASP).

Companies that provide SaaS often sell their services using a subscription model where customers pay a set amount each week, month, or year, and receive the service in return. Businesses that choose SaaS only pay for the resources they use.

With cloud computing, data is handled by the cloud provider. Large cloud providers have robust security teams and tight procedures. But with all the sensitive data they store, it provides a tempting target for hackers. When choosing a cloud provider, consider their security protocols to make sure your data is kept safe.

On-Premise 

On-premise software is implemented within the physical confines of an enterprise, often in the company’s data center. By installing and running it on hardware located within the premises of the company, IT staff has physical access to the data and can directly control the configuration, management, and security of the computing infrastructure and data. A company using on-premise software retains more complete control over security. They are responsible for setting user access policies, installing firewalls, antivirus protection, and security patches, and guarding against cyberattacks.

Businesses that choose on-premise are responsible for the ongoing costs of the server hardware, power consumption, and space the hardware takes up.

Functionality Checklist

Software has its own quality assurance schema, ensuring that it is functional for end users. This checklist covers everything from usability and performance to security and compatibility, ensuring that the code is robust enough to handle both intended tasks and unforeseen challenges. 

Let’s take a look at this functionality checklist now, to give you an overview of industry quality standards.

• Accessibility: First and foremost, accessibility ensures that software can be comfortably used by a wide range of users, including those who rely on adaptive technologies like screen readers or voice recognition.
• Compatibility: Compatibility reflects the software’s suitability across different operating systems, devices, and browsers.
• Efficiency: Efficiency measures the code’s ability to operate effectively without unnecessary consumption of resources, time, or money.
• Functionality: Furthermore, functionality indicates the code’s capacity to complete its designated tasks accurately and reliably.
• Installation: In terms of installation, this refers to the software’s ease of setup within a specific environment, minimizing barriers for new users.
• Localization: Localization ensures the software can adapt to various languages, time zones, and cultural norms.
• Maintainability: Moving on to maintainability, this reflects how easily software can be updated, debugged, and improved.
• Performance: Performance describes the speed and responsiveness of the software under particular workloads.
• Portability: Portability refers to the ease with which software can be transferred between different systems or locations.
• Reliability: Reliability measures the code’s ability to perform consistently without errors over specified periods and conditions.
• Scalability: Scalability is the program’s ability to handle increased demands or scale down as needed, maintaining performance as user needs change.
• Security: Security protects against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other potential threats, ensuring data privacy and integrity.
• Testability: Testability indicates how easily the software can be checked for bugs and functionality.
• Usability: Finally, usability measures the intuitiveness and ease of use of the software.

Why Does Software Testing Matter?

Testing is essential to verify that a program works as intended and also uncover any bugs or vulnerabilities. It’s performed at multiple stages of development to ensure that software is both functional and user-friendly.

What Is a Software Stack?

A software stack is a combination of tools and frameworks that work together to create an application. Therefore, it usually includes operating systems, databases, and code libraries. Different stacks serve different purposes, such as the LAMP stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP) for web development and also the MEAN (MongoDB, Express, Angular, Node.js) for full-stack JavaScript applications. Lastly, the stack streamlines development by providing everything needed to run an application.

What Is a Software Engineering?

Software engineering is the field focused on the design, development, testing, and upkeep of codes. Consequently, it involves various stages known as the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), including planning, designing, coding, testing, and deploying. 

History of Software

Computing as a concept dates back to ancient times with inventions such as the abacus. However, these inventions were fully hardware. By contrast, software requires a general-purpose processor and computer memory in which reusable sets of routines and mathematical functions can be stored, started, and stopped. This type of technology is a pretty recent development.

Ada Lovelace Writes the First Program

Ada Lovelace wrote the first known computer program in 1843 for the Analytical Engine. The Analytical Engine was designed by Charles Babbage in 1837 and was the concept for the first general mechanical computer. The program, however, remained theoretical as the Analytical Engine was never physically constructed. The first modern-day software theory was proposed by Alan Turing in his 1935 essay, “Computable numbers with an application to the Entscheidungsproblem (decision problem)

Tom Kilburn and Freddie William Build the First Computer

The first time a stored-program computer held a piece of software in electronic memory and executed it successfully was on June 21, 1948. Computer Scientist Tom Kilburn and his colleague Freddie William built one of the earliest computers, the Manchester Small-Scale Experimental Machine (SSEM) at the University of Manchester in England. The SSEM was programmed to perform mathematical calculations using machine code instructions. It took 52 minutes to correctly compute the greatest divisor of two to the power of 18 (262,144).

First Programming Language is Developed

In the late 1950s, the first programming language emerged: Fortran. Other languages soon followed, including COBOL and BASIC. These languages allowed programs to be specific in an abstract way and were not dependent on the details of the hardware architecture of the computer. The languages were chiefly intended for specifying numerical calculations.

Commercial Use

Software became popular in the 1970s and 80s with the arrival of personal computers. Apple released Apple II in 1977, an 8-bit home computer and one of the world’s first successful mass-produced microcomputer products. VisiCalc, the first spreadsheet software for personal computers, was released for the Apple II in 1979. It was written in specialized assembly language. Other companies such as IBM soon developed home computers. Popular applications during this time included AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

Another major innovation was the emergence of open-source software in the 1990s. The Linux kernel was released in 1991, and interest in open-source options skyrocketed after the 1998 publication of the source code for the Netscape Navigator Browser.

Development Timeline

In brief, the history of software dates back to the 1940s with the development of the first programmable computers. Early iterations supported specific tasks, such as calculations. Over time, computers evolved and code came into play, leading to more sophisticated programs like operating systems and high-level programming languages. Here’s a quick look at some of the defining points:

• June 21, 1948: Computer scientist Tom Kilburn creates the first software program for the Manchester Baby computer at the University of Manchester, England.
• Early 1950s: General Motors develops the first operating system, named GM OS, for the IBM 701 Electronic Data Processing Machine.
• 1958: John Tukey introduces the term “software” in an article on computer programming.
• Late 1960s: Floppy disks become a standard method for software distribution until the 1990s.
• 1971: AT&T debuts the first version of the Unix operating system.
• 1977: Apple releases the Apple II, and also sparks a new era for consumer software.
• 1979: VisiCorp launches VisiCalc for the Apple II, the first spreadsheet software for personal computers.
• 1981: Microsoft releases MS-DOS, used in early IBM computers, marking a turning point for consumer-accessible commercial software.
• 1980s: Hard drives become a standard feature in PCs, leading manufacturers to bundle software with computers.
• 1983: Richard Stallman’s GNU project launches the free software movement and also aims to create a Unix-like OS with openly accessible source code.
• 1984: Mac OS enters the market and operates Apple’s Macintosh computers.
• Mid-1980s: Essential applications enter the market (AutoDesk AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, and Excel).
• 1985: Microsoft releases Windows 1.0, introducing a new graphical OS for PCs.
• 1989: CDs provide more storage capacity than floppy disks, facilitating large software distribution.
• 1991: The Linux kernel is complete, laying the foundation for the open-source Linux operating system.
• 1997: DVDs enter the market, offering greater storage than CDs.
• 1998: The source code for the Netscape Navigator browser becomes public, thus leading to attracting interest and creating more open-source options.
• 1999: Salesforce.com pioneers cloud computing, delivering software over the internet.
• 2000: Software as a Service (SaaS) begins to gain traction as a delivery model.
• 2007: Apple launches the iPhone, consequently introducing the era of mobile phone applications.
• 2010s: DVDs become obsolete as software moves online, with vendors shifting to subscription-based SaaS models.
• 2020s: Finally, generative AI and advanced machine learning tools make their way into software platforms.

Software development is a multi-billion dollar industry that fuels innovation in fields as diverse as finance, healthcare, and entertainment.

Closing Thoughts

Software is central to modern life, enabling everything from basic computer functions to complex applications in artificial intelligence. As technology advances, it continues to evolve, becoming more capable, user-friendly, and integrated into our daily lives. Understanding software basics, from types to engineering practices, will help you to navigate the digital world confidently, and understand key developments.