Understanding the Difference between Software and Programs
In today’s world, the computer has become a part and parcel of our daily life. From communication to education and business, the computer plays a vital role. The computer has changed the ways we live, work, and interact. Computers have made our lives so much easier. In a word, if you want to know what a computer is. Â A computer is an electronic device that stores information and data. We use computers to perform specific tasks. Now, when we talk about performing any specific task that is done by computer, we will be familiar with two technological terms. One is the program and the other one is software. Most of the people are confused regarding these two terms and often consider them to be the same. But the scenario is not the same. In this article, we will discuss the basic definition of program and software along with the core difference between these two.
The basic difference between a program and software is that a program can be a single line of code written in a low-level language whereas software requires many lines. In terms of size, the program is small, generally kilobytes to megabytes. On the other hand, software can be megabytes to gigabytes.
A program is a collection of instructions for a computer to perform any specific task to achieve any particular result.
The program can be developed with a basic programming language and run using a compiler. A program has no user interface and it includes fewer features and limited functionalities. Program is used as a process of creating software programs using a programming language.
What is a Software
Software is a combination of programs, data, or instructions that are given to a computer’s hardware to perform a well-defined task. A software can be a single or multiple programs. The software offers a command line or graphical user interface. It has more functions and features. Its features include safety, security, correctness, etc.
Software is mainly divided into two types. One is Application software and the other one is system software.
What is an application software?
An application software is mainly developed for the user. It can be business-related or service-related. Users can manually install and uninstall software on the computer based on their needs. Users can install any number of software programs on a computer. Application software is written in a high-level language.
Games such as Candy Crush, web browsers such as Chrome, and social media such as WhatsApp are examples of the application software.
What is the system software?
System software is responsible for the core function of a computer. The functionality of a computer depends on its system software. It has direct access to the computer’s hardware. It monitors all the functions of the computer.
System software creates the layer between the application software and the computer’s hardware so that the application software runs well on the computer. System software is written in a low-level language.
Operating system, firmware, device drivers, and boot loaders are examples of the system software.
Difference between program and software
Program | Software |
A collection of instructions | A combination of programs, data, or instructions |
The program depends on the compiler | The software mainly depends on the operating system |
Can be a simple line of code | Consists of multiple programs, libraries, and data |
Developed by small group | Developed by a large group of people |
Written in a low-level language | Written in both low-level and high-level language |
Smaller in size | Larger in size |
Do not have a user interface | Included user interface |
Needs to compilers | Ready to execute |
Limited features | More functions and features |
Simple in design | Complex in design. Generally, required planning and architecture |
Require less time | Requires more time |
Minimal documentation | Includes comprehensive documentation for users and developers. |
Less expensive to develop | More expensive and resource-intensive to develop |
The program cannot be software | The software can be a program |
If programs are not present in the computer, then also computer can function well because of the operating system. | Without software computer is useless |
The program cannot run on a computer without any software present in the computer. | The software can be downloaded on a computer using the internet without any need for a program. |
An example of a program includes a script that calculates the bill, web browsers, word processors | Example of software includes Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Adobe Photoshop, |
Conclusion
When it comes to performing a task, software is a collection of programs used to carry out work that is more sophisticated than that of a program. A program is a piece of code or a set of instructions. Compared to programs, software is more vital and sophisticated. A computer cannot function properly without software.
