~2025-35049-31: added a link to the app

2025-11-20T11:38:20Z

added a link to the app

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{{More citations needed|date=September 2025}}
{{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 [[software]] that is intended for [[end-user]] use {{endash}} not [[computer operator |operating]], [[system administration |administering]] or [[computer programming |programming]] a [[computer]]. An '''application''' ('''app''', '''application program''', '''software application''') is any [[computer program |program]] that can be categorized as application software.<ref>{{OED|application software|id=9705}}</ref>{{Ref RFC|4949|notes=no}} Application is a subjective classification that is often used to differentiate from [[system software |system]] and [[utility software |utility]] software.<ref>{{cite web |title=Application software |url=https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/37919/application-program |work=[[PC Magazine]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]}}</ref> such as [[snapchat]]<ref>{{Citation |title=Snapchat |date=2025-11-05 |work=Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Snapchat&oldid=1320511746 |access-date=2025-11-20 |language=en}}</ref>

The [[abbreviation]] ''app'' 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 the release of the [[Mac App Store]] in 2010 and the [[Windows Store]] in 2011, it began to be used to refer to end-user software in general, regardless of platform.<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>

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>

== Terminology ==

===Meaning program and software===
When used as an adjective, ''application'' can have a broader meaning than that described in this article.<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]] refer to programs and software in general.

===Distinction between system and application software===
The distinction between [[system software |system]] and application software is subjective and has been the subject 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]].''

===Killer application===
A [[killer application]] (killer app, coined in the late 1980s) is an application that is so popular that it causes demand for its host [[Computing platform |platform]] to increase.<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= |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.

===Software suite===
As [[software 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.

==Ways to classify==
As there so many applications and since their attributes vary so dramatically, there are many different ways to classify them.

===By legal aspects===
Proprietary software is protected under an exclusive copyright, and a [[software license]] grants limited usage rights. Such applications may allow [[Plug-in (computing)|add-ons]] from third parties.

[[Free and open-source software]] (FOSS) can be run, distributed, sold, and extended for any purpose. FOSS software 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 that is royalty-free and can be run, distributed, modified, reversed{{explain|date=October 2025}}, 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 software 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 platform ===
An application can be categorized by the host [[computing platform| platform]] on which it runs. Notable platforms include [[operating system]] (native), [[web browser]], [[cloud computing]] and [[mobile app |mobile]]. For example a [[web application]] runs in a [[web browser]] whereas a more traditional, native application runs in the environment of a computer's 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>

There has been a contentious debate 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>

===Horizontal vs. vertical===
Application software can be seen as 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.

===By purpose===
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>

; [[Enterprise software |Enterprise]]: 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: Provides common capabilities needed to support enterprise [[software system]]s. (Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security.)

; [[Application platform as a service]] (aPaaS): A [[cloud computing]] service that offers development and deployment environments for application services.

; [[Knowledge worker]]: 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: 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 |Educational]]: 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| Simulation]]: Simulates physical or abstract systems for either research, training, or entertainment purposes.

; Media development: 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>

; Engineering: 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: Refers 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.

==Taxonomy==
This section is a [[taxonomy]] of application types with each section a grouping of application purpose.

=== Information worker ===
* [[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 ===
* [[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 ===
{{main|List of educational software}}

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

=== Enterprise infrastructure ===
* [[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 ===
* [[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 ===
* [[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]]

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

===Software development===
Much of the software used to [[Software development |develop software]] is classified as [[utility software |utility]] instead of application software, but classification of types of programs is subjective.

* [[Integrated development environment]]
* [[Game development tool]]
* [[License manager]]
* [[Version control]]

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

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

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

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Application software| ]]

Application software - Revision history

~2025-35049-31: added a link to the app