Executable Software Program

A Executable Software Program is a software item that contains executable instructions for performing specific computational tasks (which can be executed within some specific computer architecture).

AKA: Computer Program.
Context:
- It can (typically) be a Language Specific Program, such as: C program (for C language).
- It can (typically) have a Software Program Version, Software Program Size, and Software Program Structure.
- It can (typically) execute instruction sequences through computer processors.
- It can (typically) belong to a Software Category.
- It can (typically) process input data into output results.
- It can (often) be created by a Software Programming System/Software Programmer (solving a software programming task).
- It can (often) store program state in computer memory.
- It can (often) handle user interaction through interface components.
- It can (often) communicate with other programs through interface protocols.
- It can (often) manage system resources through program logic.
- ...
- It can range from being a Development Software Program to being a Production Software Program, depending on its product readiness.
- It can range from being Software Program Source Code to being a Running Software Program.
- It can range from being a Standalone Program to being a Networked Program (such as a client-server program).
- It can range from being a Utility Software Program to being an Application Software Program.
- It can range from being a Prototype Software Program to being a Mature Software Program.
- It can range from being an Imperative Software Program to being a Declarative Software Program.
- It can range from being an Alpha Software Program to being a Beta Software Program to being a Final Software Program.
- It can range from being a High Performance Program to being a High Reliability Program, depending on its optimization goal.
- ...
- It can serve as a core component of a software product.
- It can integrate with development environments for program creation.
- It can connect to debugging tools for error analysis.
- It can support monitoring systems for performance tracking.
- ...
Example(s):
- System Programs, such as:
  - Operating System Programs, which manage computer hardware and provide runtime environments.
  - Device Driver Programs, which control hardware components.
  - Utility Programs, which perform system maintenance.
- Application Programs/Software Packages, such as:
  - Excel Spreadsheet Program, which demonstrates data processing capability.
  - Movie Rating Application, which shows user interaction handling.
  - Web Browser Program, which illustrates internet resource access.
- Language Specific Programs, such as:
  - C program, Java program, Perl program, Prolog program, Python program, R program, and TypeScript program.
- Deployment-Specific Programs, such as:
  - Web-based Applications (including applets)
  - Desktop-based Applications
  - Mobile-based Applications
- Cloud Service Programs, such as:
  - Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Programs
  - Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Programs
- Software Development Programs, such as:
- ...
Counter-Example(s):
- Algorithm, which describes computational procedures (rather than executable code).
- Software Operation, which represents a single program action (rather than a complete program).
- Jaccard Loom Program, which is a mechanical instruction sequence (rather than software instructions).
- Software Library, which provides reusable code (rather than standalone programs).
- Data File, which contains stored information (rather than executable instructions).
See: Computer Program Structure, Computer Program Statement, Programming Language, Punched Card, Program Architecture, Software Engineering.

References

2023

chat
- Operating Systems: Core software programs that manage computer hardware and resources, providing a stable environment for other software to run. Examples include Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Web Browsers: Software programs that enable users to access and navigate the internet, displaying web content such as websites, images, and videos. Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, and Microsoft Edge.
- Database Management Systems (DBMS): Software programs designed to create, manage, and maintain databases, allowing users to store, organize, and retrieve data. Examples include MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and PostgreSQL.
- Productivity Programs: Applications designed to help users accomplish tasks and manage their work efficiently. Examples include word processors (Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel), presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint), and project management tools (Trello).
- Software Development Programs: Tools and utilities that assist software developers in creating, maintaining, debugging, and optimizing software applications. Examples include integrated development environments (IDEs) like Visual Studio, code editors like Sublime Text, and version control systems like Git.
- Gaming Software: Various video games and gaming platforms, ranging from casual mobile games to complex PC and console games. Examples include popular games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and Minecraft, as well as gaming platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass.
- Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Programs: Cloud-based applications that are hosted on remote servers and delivered via the internet, allowing users to access and interact with the software without installation. Examples include Salesforce CRM, Slack, and Google Workspace.
- Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) Programs: Cloud-based platforms that provide a runtime environment and tools for developers to build, deploy, and manage applications without managing the underlying infrastructure. Examples include Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Heroku.
- Collaboration Programs: Tools that facilitate teamwork, file sharing, and project management among team members. Examples include Confluence, Microsoft Teams, and Asana.
- Communication Programs: Applications that enable users to communicate through text, voice, or video, helping people stay connected and collaborate. Examples include email clients (Microsoft Outlook), instant messaging apps (WhatsApp), and video conferencing tools (Zoom).
- Cloud-based APIs: Services that leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing technologies to provide advanced functionalities to developers and end-users. Examples include GCP Cloud Speech-to-Text API, Amazon Rekognition, and IBM Watson.
- Antivirus and Security Software: Programs designed to protect computers and networks from viruses, malware, and other security threats. Examples include Norton Antivirus, Kaspersky, and Windows Defender.
- Media Players: Software programs that allow users to play various media formats, including audio, video, and images. Examples include VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player, and iTunes.
- Graphic Design and Video Editing Software: Applications that enable users to create, edit, and manipulate images, videos, and other visual media. Examples include Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro.
- Educational Software: Programs designed to facilitate learning and improve educational outcomes, often featuring interactive elements, multimedia content, and adaptive learning algorithms. Examples include language learning apps like Duolingo, educational platforms like Khan Academy, and learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas.

2015

(Wikipedia, 2015) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/program_(machine) Retrieved:2015-5-7.
- A program is a list of instructions written in a programming language that is used to control the behavior of a machine, often a computer (in this case it is known as a computer program).
  Note that 'program' (not 'programme') is the standard spelling for this sense of the word in all versions of English.
  Examples of programs include:
  - The sequence of cards used by a Jacquard loom to produce a given pattern within weaved cloth. Invented in 1801, it used holes in punched cards to represent sewing loom arm movements in order to generate decorative patterns automatically.
  - A file containing a list of instructions to be executed by a computer.
  - Barrels, punched cards and music rolls encoding music to be played by player pianos, fairground organs, barrel organs and music boxes.
- The execution of a program is a series of actions following the instructions it contains. Each instruction produces effects that alter the state of the machine according to its predefined meaning.
  While some machines are called programmable, for example a programmable thermostat or a musical synthesizer, they are in fact just devices which allow their users to select among a fixed set of a variety of options, rather than being controlled by programs written in a language (be it textual, visual or otherwise).

</references>

2014

http://www.infoworld.com/t/application-development/stroustrup-why-the-35-year-old-c-still-dominates-real-dev-248457
- QUOTE: ... C++ is for high performance, high reliability, small footprint, low energy consumption, all of these good things.

2013

(Wikipedia, 2013) ⇒ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software Retrieved:2013-11-29.
- … Computer software is a set of programs, procedures, functions, associated data and/or its documentation, if any. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the digital electronics or by serving as an input to another piece of software. Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only.

2011

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software#Types_of_software
- Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.

2010

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/computer_program#Noun
- A complete piece of software. A set of instructions for a computer. This term can refer to either the executable form that a computer can execute (executable code) or the human readable form (source code). (Several programs, each of which does a task, can be collected as a software package or suite).

2009

http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/application_program
- (computing) A computer program written to solve a particular problem or to be used in a particular user-defined application.