Tarkvarade

Tarkvarade is the genitive plural form of tarkvara in Estonian. It is used in sentences describing software in a qualifying or possessive sense, for example tarkvarade arendus (the development of software) or tarkvarade hindamine (the evaluation of software). The base noun tarkvara refers to computer software in general; tarkvarade functions as the grammatical form that links the word to descriptors or other nouns in genitive constructions.

Software consists of programs, data, and related resources that run on computers and other devices. It is distinguished from riistvara, or hardware, which provides the physical platform. Tarkvarade may be delivered as operating system components, applications, or firmware, and it can be distributed as proprietary software, free software, or open-source software (avatud lähtekoodiga tarkvara).

Classification commonly includes system software (süsteemtarkvara), which manages hardware and core services; application software (rakendustarkvara), which enables user tasks; and firmware (püsivara), which provides low-level control for embedded devices. Software can be designed for desktop, mobile, web, or embedded environments, and it is often subject to licensing, compatibility, and security considerations.

Development and lifecycle: tarkvarade arendus follows stages such as requirements, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. Methodologies vary, with Agile and Scrum being common in many teams. Modern practices emphasize security, accessibility, and continuous delivery. Licensing models range from proprietary licenses to avatud lähtekoodiga tarkvara, with distribution through app stores, repositories, or enterprise channels.

See also: Tarkvara, Riistvara, Avatud lähtekoodiga tarkvara.