What is the difference between system and application?

In this tutorial, you will learn about the difference between system software and application software.

What is System Software?

System software is general-purpose software which is used to operate computer hardware. It provides a platform to run application software. System software is designed to provide a platform for other software. Some examples of system software are operating systems like Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows, computational science software, game engines, industrial automation, and software as service applications.

Types of System Software

Operating Software
Utility Software
Device Drivers
Firmware
Programming Language Translator

What is Application Software?

Application software is specific purpose software which is used by the user for performing a specific task. It allows users to do user-oriented work such as creating text docs, playing games, listening to music, or browsing the web.

Read More: Software Implementation Risks

Types of Application Software

Presentation Software
Database Software
Web Browsing Software
Multimedia Software
Word Processing Software
Graphic Software
Simulation Software
Spreadsheet Software
Programming Software

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Below I have shared some main differences between them.

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System Software vs Application Software

S.No.	System Software	Application Software
1.	System software is used for operating computer hardware.	Application software is used by users to perform a specific task.
2.	System software is installed on the computer when the operating system is installed.	Application software is installed according to the user’s requirements.
3.	In general, the user does not interact with system software because it works in the background.	In general, the user interacts with application software.
4.	System software can run independently. It provides a platform for running application software.	Application software can’t run independently. They can’t run without the presence of system software.
5.	Some examples of system software are compiler, assembler, debugger, driver, etc.	Some examples of application software are word processors, web browsers, media players, etc.

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Comment below if you found anything incorrect in the above difference between system software and application software tutorial. Please mention below if you know about any other differences.

Software/CodingSoftware EngineeringComputer Programming

As we know that software is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Software is basically a generic term used to describe computer programs. In general Scripts, applications, programs and a set of instructions are all terms often used to describe software.

Now the basis of language in which software is developed and platform which is required for its execution we can classified software as in two divisions which are System software and Application software. Following are some basic differences between System software and Application software.

Sr. No.	Key	System Software.	Application Software.
1	Definition	System Software is the type of software which is the interface between application software and system.	On other hand Application Software is the type of software which runs as per user request. It runs on the platform which is provide by system software.
2	Development Language	In general System software are developed in low level language which is more compatible with the system hardware in order to interact with.	While in case of Application software high level language is used for their development as they are developed as some specific purpose software.
3	Usage	System software is used for operating computer hardware.	On other hand Application software is used by user to perform specific task.
4	Installation	System software are installed on the computer when operating system is installed.	On other hand Application software are installed according to user’s requirements.
5	User interaction	As mentioned in above points system software are specific to system hardware so less or no user interaction available in case of system software.	On other hand in application software user can interacts with it as user interface is available in this case.
6	Dependency	System software can run independently. It provides platform for running application software.	On other hand in application software can’t run independently. They can’t run without the presence of system software..
7	Examples	Some examples of system software’s are compiler, assembler, debugger, driver, etc.	On other hand some examples of application software’s are word processor, web browser, media player, etc.

Updated on 25-Feb-2020 06:32:47

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Differences

Difference Between System Software and Application Software

System software and application software are both programs that help users interact with and instruct the computer to perform specific tasks. However, there are considerable differences between system software and application software. They both differ in terms of their design and purpose.

Before we discuss the difference between System Software and Application Software, let's have a quick overview of both:

What is System Software?

The system software is a combination of programs designed to control and manage hardware and other resources of the system. Such software help to expand the processing functionalities of the system, making its operations fast, effective, and secure. Besides, the system software also provide a platform for executing application software.

System software mainly enable users to instruct the system using various commands. However, users generally do not have direct contact with the system software. A graphical user interface is added with the system software so that users can easily interact with the system software when needed. Typically, users do not have the option to interact with core system software. Such software automatically run in the background, manage system operations, and balance the overall performance of the system.

Some of the most common examples of system software include an operating system (OS), firmware, device drivers, BIOS, debuggers, assemblers, compilers, and interpreters.

The following are the main features of System Software:

• The system software is fast in speed.

• System Software is more close to the system or hardware components.

• System Software is usually written or programmed in a low-level language.

• The system software is very hard to manipulate because it is difficult to design and understand.

• System Software is less interactive and smaller in size.

Application software is a program or a set of programs that primarily help users perform certain tasks using a computer system. These software are downloaded and installed separately by the users and have nothing to do with the system functions. Unlike system software, application software mostly runs in the front-end and remains visible to users.

Application software can only run on the platforms provided by the system software. We can refer to application software as an intermediary between the end-user and the system software. These software are primarily written using high-level languages according to user-specific requirements. We can install multiple application software in a single computer system. Although application software are not mandatory to be installed on the system, they make the computer system more useful to users.

Some of the most common examples of application software include MS Office, web browsers, games, media streaming software, Photoshop, and other media editing software.

The following are the main features of Application Software:

• Application Software is designed to perform specific tasks, such as image editing, word processing, email, gaming, etc.

• Application Software is usually written or programmed in a high-level language.

• Application Software requires more storage space because it is mostly bigger in size. For example, Photoshop software, games, etc.

• Application Software is comparatively easy to design.

• Application Software is more interactive for users.

Let’s discuss some major differences between System Software and Application Software:

• System software are designed to manage system resources, such as process management, memory management, security and maintenance, and more. On the other hand, application software are primarily designed to allow users to perform special tasks, such as Photoshop, media streaming, gaming, etc.

• System software are typically written or programmed in a low-level language, such as machine language or assembly language. In contrast, application software are mostly written in a high-level language, such as Java, C ++, etc.

• System software are commonly referred to as general-purpose software, while application software are commonly referred to as specific-purpose software.

• System software are independent of the application software and can run independently. On the other hand, application software cannot run independently and require system software to run.

• Without system software, the computer cannot boot or run, making system software mandatory for the functioning of the system. Besides, application software is not mandatory and the system can run without them.

• System software are installed with operating system installations, while users can download and install application software if only they are needed for specific purposes.

• The system software starts running in the background when we turn on the computer system and keeps running until the system shuts down. Furthermore, application software only starts running when we launch them specifically and can be turned off after completing tasks. In the case of application software, there is no need to shut down the computer system.

• Programming of system software is complex, whereas application software can be easily programmed compared to system software.

Let’s discuss the difference between System Software and Application Software with the help of the following comparison chart (in a tabular form):

System Software	Application Software
System software are the type of software designed to manage system resources, such as memory management, thread management, system security, and more.	Application software are the type of software designed to meet the requirements of users to perform specific tasks.
System software acts as an interface between the application software and the system. It basically provides a platform to install and run application software.	Application software acts as an interface between users and system software.
System software are usually written in a low-level language (e.g., machine language or assembly language), which gives the system maximum compatibility for interacting with computer hardware.	Application software are written in a high-level language. For example – Java, C++, etc.
System software are installed along with the operating system.	Application software are third-party software that can be downloaded and installed on the computer according to the user's requirement.
System software are general-purpose software primarily used to operate a system with computer hardware.	Application software are specific-purpose software primarily used to perform certain tasks.
System software start running when we power-on a computer system and stop when the computer is powered off. They typically run in the background.	Application software generally start when we launch them to work, and stop when we particularly close them. There is no need to turn off the computer system to end the application software.
Programming of system software is comparatively complex and more importantly written for hardware compatibility; therefore, less or no user interaction is provided.	Programming of application software is simple as compared to system software. Because they are designed for user-specific tasks, a user-interface is provided so that users can interact and perform according to their work.
System software can run independently, meaning that they can also operate without application software. However, the system cannot run without system software.	Application software cannot run independently and system software is required to run them.
The working of the system software is mostly automated. They start working on their own when the system is turned on.	User-action is required to operate the application software. They usually work according to the commands given by the user.
System software are usually classified as a package program/software or customized program.	Application software are usually classified as client-server, time-sharing, and resource-sharing.
System software are essential for the functioning of the system.	Application software are not so important for the effective functioning of the system.
Some common examples of the system software include Windows Operating System, Android, Compiler, Debugger, etc.	Some common examples of the application software include Photoshop software, MS Office, File downloader, media player, etc.

The main difference between system software and application software is that system software are primarily designed to manage system-based resources and operations and acts as an interface between application software and computer hardware, while application software are primarily designed to help users perform specific tasks. Application software provides an interface between the user and the system software.

Let us discuss the difference between System Software and Application Software according to their types:

Some of the important types of System Software are as follows:

Operating Systems: Operating systems are designed to effectively utilize all the hardware and software components of a computer. Some most commonly used operating systems are Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, etc.

Device Drivers: Device drivers are computer programs designed to control certain devices connected to a computer. Some such devices include keyboards, speakers, printers, scanners, storage devices, etc.

Programming Language Translators: Translators refer to certain programs that transform programming languages written by developers into a form or a language that can be interpreted, compiled, and executed by a computer.

Utility Programs: Utility programs are types of programs designed to perform maintenance tasks in a computer system. Also, such programs can help in performing routine tasks.

Communication Software: Communication software helps users to easily transfer files, folders, and programs from one computer to another over networking.

Some of the important types of Application Software are as follows:

Word-Processing Software: Word-processing software allows us to easily create, view, modify, store, or print documents on a computer system.

Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet software allows us to easily create a computerized ledger on a computer system. Such software can be referred to as a numeric data-analysis tool.

Database Software: Database software can be defined as software that allows the collection of relevant data that can be accessed by users on a computer system. Users can store and retrieve files from the database according to their needs.

Graphics Software: Graphics software is designed to help users perform tasks such as creating, editing, and drawing graphs, structures, pictures, etc. using a computer.

Education Software: Education software helps users to use computer systems as learning or teaching tools.

Entertainment Software: Entertainment software includes various programs that can be used as an entertainment tool on a computer system.

Gaming Software: Gaming software, commonly called games, are advanced types of application software that help users use a computer as a gaming device and play games on it.

The purpose of both system software and application software is to help users interact with computer systems and perform various tasks. However, there are differences in their design and purposes. While system software is designed to manage system-resources or processes, application software is designed to meet certain needs of users to perform specific tasks.

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