Rakendus

Rakendus is the Estonian noun for an application or software program designed to perform specific tasks for an end user. In computing, a rakendus is typically a self-contained program that runs on a computer, tablet or smartphone, as opposed to the broader category of software (tarkvara) or system software. The term is commonly used in everyday language to refer to both desktop and mobile programs.

Compounding is common to describe different kinds of programs: veebirakendus (web application), mobiilirakendus or mobiilirakendus (mobile application), and lauaarvutirakendus (desktop application). In software development and IT discussions, rakendus can denote an individual program or a family of related programs, as well as the user-facing portion of a larger software solution. The concept can also appear in phrases such as rakenduste arhitektuur (application architecture) and rakenduste arendamine (application development).

Etymology and nuance: the word rakendus stems from the verb rakendama, meaning to apply or implement, with the suffix -dus forming a noun that denotes the act or result of applying. While tarkvara refers to software in general, rakendus emphasizes an end-user program and its practical usage. In formal contexts, tarkvara is often used for software as a discipline, whereas rakendus emphasizes the user-facing program.

See also: tarkvara, veebi- ja mobiilirakendus, tarkvaraarendus, arendus.