Tillämpning

Tillämpning is a Swedish noun with several related meanings. It commonly denotes the act of applying or using something for a specific purpose, as in the practical use of a method, tool, or theory. It also refers to the result of such use, and to the act of bringing a concept into practice. Etymologically, it comes from the verb tillämpa, with the noun-forming suffix -ning.

In everyday language, tillämpning often contrasts with användning. Användning is general usage or consumption, while tillämpning emphasizes purposeful, problem-solving practice in a particular context. Examples include the tillämpning av en algoritm i dataanalys or the tillämpning av en teori inom teknik.

In mathematics and formal sciences, tillämpning denotes a function or mapping. A tillämpning f från X till Y assigns to every element in X exactly one element in Y, commonly written as f: X → Y. In this sense, tillämpning is closely related to the terms mappning and funktion, though tillämpning is a more descriptive, context-sensitive label for the mapping.

Within science and industry, tillämpning is used to describe the practical use of theories, methods, or research results. Tillämpad vetenskap and tillämpad matematik refer to fields that emphasize real-world problems and application-oriented study. Tillämpningsområde describes where a method or theory is valid or useful.

In computing, applikation or applikationer is often used for software applications, but in many contexts tillämpning remains the broader term for practical use or implementation.