Do you think that software and programs are no different? Actually, they have certain differences. So what’s the difference between them? The answer is right below.
1. Definition of program
A program is a set of instructions in a certain sequence that instructs the computer to work automatically. A program is written in programming languages like C/C++, Java, etc. A computer program is in a form that can be read by humans. It is called “source code”. Source code needs to be compiled or interpreted to be executed by the CPU.
Basically, a software includes programs that have been compiled or interpreted, tested, and debugged during development process. A program is not sure a software, but software is a collection of one or more completed programs.
Below is the source code of a program written in C++.
2. What is software?
Software is a set of programs and associated documentation and data (text, images, videos, etc.) to instruct a computer to work. For example, Microsoft Word, Google Chrome web browser is softwares.
Based on the intended use, software can be divided into 3 categories:
- System software
- Application software
- Malware
3. What is firmware?
Firmware is a special computer program used to control electronic devices. They are usually stored in the ROM memory of hardware devices. Firmware is mainly written in assembly language or C/C++.
