Nonapps

Nonapps is a term used in software development and technology journalism to describe software components and services that deliver value without a traditional user-facing application interface. In practice, nonapps include libraries, application programming interfaces (APIs), command-line tools, background services, firmware, drivers, and cloud or server-side services that are used by other software rather than directly by end users.

The concept contrasts with apps, which provide interactive interfaces on mobile or desktop platforms. Nonapps emphasize programmatic access, automation, or embedded operation. They may be consumed as services, integrated into larger systems, or run as background processes.

Typical examples

- APIs and SDKs

- Libraries and frameworks

- Command-line tools and scripts

- Daemons and background services

- Firmware and device drivers

- Microservices and serverless functions

- Cloud services and data pipelines

Design and deployment considerations

Nonapps focus on stability, versioning, and compatibility across software boundaries. Important considerations include access control and authentication, dependency management, monitoring and observability, deployment models (continuous delivery, containerization), security, and licensing. Because the user experience is indirect, documentation and developer experience are essential to adoption.

Usage and context

The term nonapps is informal and somewhat fluid; it is used to describe a trend toward interchangeable, composable software components that enable automation and integration without requiring end-user interaction. Critics note that the label can be vague, and some prefer terms like service-oriented components or headless software to describe similar ideas.