Programssuch

Programssuch is a term encountered in some IT literature to denote the activity or feature of locating software programs. It is not a standardized term in computer science and does not refer to a single official specification. When used, it typically describes mechanisms that allow users to find programs by name, category, or metadata within a system, repository, or catalog. The term often appears in German-language texts as a compound noun, but may occur in English contexts as well.

In operating systems and package managers, programssuch supports discovering installed software or available packages. Users can search by program name, description, author, version, or tags, and may filter results by criteria such as license or compatibility. In software development environments, programssuch can help locate libraries, plugins, or tools needed for a build or runtime.

Implementation methods include text-based search, indexed search, or graphical discovery dialogs. Indexing improves speed and enables fuzzy matching, while permissions and network access affect result scope. Results typically include brief metadata such as name, version, channel or repository, and a link or instruction for installation or acquisition.

Related terms vary by language and domain. In German, the equivalent concept is often termed Programmsuche or Suchfunktion in a software catalog. In broader practice, similar functionality is called software discovery, package search, or inventory. The term programssuch remains informal and context-dependent.