Software is a collection of programs, applications, and systems that run on hardware devices. It includes everything from the operating system that powers your phone or laptop to the apps and tools you use every day. Unlike hardware, which is the physical part of a computer, software is intangible—it’s written in code by developers and executed by machines to perform specific tasks.
Software is usually divided into three main types:
- System software – manages hardware and core functions (e.g., Windows, macOS).
- Application software – helps users perform tasks (e.g., Word, Chrome).
- Development software – used to create other software (e.g., Visual Studio, Bubble).
At its core, software is what transforms hardware from a silent machine into a useful tool capable of solving problems, automating tasks, and enabling digital experiences.