As software developers, we are constantly creating and improving applications for different platforms and devices. We use various tools and technologies to build these applications, but what exactly constitutes an application software? In this article, we will explore some common misconceptions about application software and clear up the confusion once and for all.
1. Browser extensions
Many people confuse browser extensions with application software. While it is true that browser extensions are software applications that run within a web browser, they are not considered full-fledged application software.
A browser extension is a piece of software that enhances the functionality of a web browser and can be installed on any device with a browser. Examples of browser extensions include ad blockers, password managers, and social media sharing tools.
1. Operating systems
Operating systems are often mistaken for application software. While an operating system is a crucial component of a computer or mobile device, it is not considered application software.
An operating system provides a platform on which applications run and manages the resources of the computer, such as memory and storage. Examples of modern operating systems include Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
1. Libraries and frameworks
Libraries and frameworks are often used to build applications, but they are not considered application software on their own.
A library is a collection of pre-written code that can be reused in other applications, while a framework is a set of tools and guidelines for building an application. Examples of popular libraries and frameworks include jQuery, React, and Django.
1. Web APIs
Web APIs are often used to build applications that interact with web services. While web APIs can be used to build powerful applications, they are not considered full-fledged application software on their own.
A web API is a set of protocols and tools for building software that interacts with web services. Examples of popular web APIs include RESTful APIs and GraphQL APIs.
1. Software development tools
Software development tools are often used by developers to build applications, but they are not considered application software on their own.
Software development tools can include code editors, version control systems, debugging tools, and testing tools. Examples of popular software development tools include Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and Selenium.
1. Mobile applications
Mobile applications are often mistaken for application software on their own. While mobile applications are indeed a type of application software, they are not considered full-fledged application software without the underlying operating system and development tools.
A mobile application is a software program designed specifically for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Examples of popular mobile applications include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Uber.
Case study: Building an e-commerce platform
Let’s take a look at an example of building an e-commerce platform using various tools and technologies.
First, we would need to choose an operating system for our e-commerce platform. We might choose Windows or macOS for the development process, or we might choose a cloud-based platform like AWS or Google Cloud Platform for scalability and cost efficiency.
Next, we would need to select software development tools for building our e-commerce platform. We might choose a code editor like Visual Studio Code or an integrated development environment (IDE) like PyCharm or Eclipse. We might also use version control systems like Git and testing tools like JUnit.
We would then use libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js to build the user interface of our e-commerce platform. We might also use a web API like Stripe or PayPal to handle payment processing and securely store customer data.
Finally, we would deploy our e-commerce platform on a server or in the cloud using tools like Docker or Kubernetes. We might also use load balancers and content delivery networks (CDNs) for scalability and performance.
Expert opinions
We asked several software developers for their thoughts on what constitutes application software, and here’s what they had to say:
“I think it’s important to differentiate between software that runs on a device and software that runs within an application.