user

A user is a person or entity that interacts with a computer system, software, or service. In information technology, the term distinguishes humans from automated processes, scripts, or bots that may operate on a system. A user typically has an identity managed by an authentication mechanism, such as a user account consisting of a username and credentials, and may have defined permissions or roles controlling access to resources. Users interact through a user interface, which can be graphical, command line, or programmatic. The usability and accessibility of the interface influence user experience, efficiency, and satisfaction.

Different user types exist, including end users who directly use a product, administrators with elevated permissions, power users with advanced capabilities, and casual users. In system design, the user is a primary stakeholder; approaches such as user-centered design, user research, personas, and user stories are used to tailor products to needs. User data collected by systems is subject to privacy and security considerations, including consent, data minimization, and compliance with regulations. Organizations implement user management, authentication, authorization, and sometimes single sign-on or multi-factor authentication to protect accounts.

In computing, a system user may refer to non-human accounts used by software or services to operate. The term is also used more broadly to denote any person who uses a service or product.