application

An application, in computing, is a program or collection of programs designed to perform a group of coordinated tasks for the user. Applications are intended to help users accomplish specific goals, such as word processing, data analysis, graphic design, or communication. System software, by contrast, provides core services and runs other programs; applications rely on system software to operate and may depend on a runtime environment or libraries.

The term derives from the Latin applicatio, meaning a bringing into contact or a setting to use. In computing, it came to denote software that serves end users rather than the operating system itself.

Applications can be categorized by how they are delivered and run: desktop applications run on personal computers; mobile applications run on smartphones or tablets; web applications run in a browser and may be hosted remotely. Enterprise or business applications are designed to support organizational processes, such as accounting, customer relationship management, or supply chain management. Embedded applications are built into devices like printers or home appliances.

Development of an application typically follows a lifecycle: requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, deployment, and maintenance. User interface design, performance, security, and accessibility are important considerations. Cross-platform development, choosing appropriate programming languages, frameworks, and data storage solutions, influence the architecture and cost of an application.

Applications can be distributed through various channels, including app stores, websites, or software repositories. Licensing terms, updates, and privacy considerations shape how users obtain and use an application.

See also software, app, mobile app, software as a service, application programming interface.