Meaning of software
Definition:
Software is a collection of programs, data, and instructions that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which is the physical component of a computer, software is intangible—you can't touch it, but it runs behind the scenes to make the hardware functional.
Software is a broad term that refers to the set of digital instructions, programs, and data that tell a computer or other electronic devices how to operate, what to do, and how to do it. It acts as an invisible engine that powers every digital task—from opening a document, playing music, browsing the internet, to running an entire business network.
In simple terms, software is to a computer what thoughts are to a human brain—it guides actions and decisions.
Key Characteristics of Software:
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Intangible:
Software is not a physical object. It consists of code and instructions stored electronically. -
Set of Instructions:
Software gives step-by-step commands to the hardware, enabling it to perform useful operations. -
Machine-Readable:
Written in programming languages (like Python, Java, C++), software must be translated into binary code for the computer to understand. -
Upgradable and Modifiable:
Software can be updated, improved, or reinstalled without altering the physical computer. -
Dependent on Hardware:
Software needs hardware to run, and hardware needs software to be useful—they work together.