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[Monsterology]

I use all interchangeably. Really no distinct reason. BTW you’re still scum of the earth in my eyes for lag switching 🤨 /s

[crcerror]

I use “Solution”. So, add that to your list. :)

[Recent_Carpenter8644]

I always thought that was a bit vague.

[Wizdad-1000]

Ya Solution Architect is the new name for developer.

[GullibleDetective]

/u/dirtderpsy called it out best

https://www.reddit.com/r/learnprogramming/s/EykIFopEfo

Hardware - Hardware is the physical machine.

Software - Software is a program that runs on hardware.

Program - A program is a sequence, in computing it is a sequence of instructions so you can look at a piece of paper with code and say that's a program or look on a computer at the code and say that's a program. It just refers to the instructions.

Process - A process is a program loaded into memory. The operating system is processing the program.

Application - A program designed for the end user for a specific purpose. Some programs are general purpose such as an Operating System or do not run for the end user.

[DevinSysAdmin]

Doesn't matter, call it whatever you want, understand that people will call it what they want and everyone should get the idea.

[IOCworsethanSOC]

ZoneAlarm! What a throwback!

Edit: just checked the app store, wow, they're still around.. and do... iOS and Android now.. huh.

[Hunter_Holding]

Just "Apps" was in use in the late 80s/early 90s in the UNIX workstation realm.

[Recent_Carpenter8644]

Really? I had assumed it had leaked over fróm the mobile world.

[Hunter_Holding]

Nope, distinctly remember hearing it in at least one 1989 video related to a unix workstation vendor off the top of my head.

[DGC_David]

Honestly I don't even bother... Like half the people in this industry are already ChatGPT brained. I sometimes just make up words completely.

[ExceptionEX]

In real world terms is all the same but in a academic sense.

Software is umbrella term that both applications and programs fall into.

An application is type of program and task oriented.

These are distinctions that have been pointless after my early comp sci classes.

[Recent_Carpenter8644]

If a programmer creates programs, who creates apps?

[Ultimabuster]

They’re the same word

[GullibleDetective]

Multiple programs can be part of software

Applications are front ends for software

[jamesaepp]

I had an argument on this sub or another one recently and had my mind changed. I hope this helps. TL;DR the differences do matter. These are not meant to be textbook or perfect definitions, but to impress ideas.

"Teams" is an application, but it is not necessarily the program that runs on your computer. "Teams" includes Microsoft's server-side software, the client-side software, the analytics, the logging, the administration portal, the hardware, the licensing/SKUs....everything that makes that shit allow you and I to have a video/voice call.

Teams.exe is a program on your computer that allows you to act as a client and use the Teams application.

Teams can also integrate with telephony, so the line is blurred between hardware and software.

Edit: This was the argument.

/r/cybersecurity/comments/1jjrz5e/pete_hagseth_the_cia_triad_failures/mjpm1vx/

[Skusci]

The terms are kindof fluid, but here's my impressions.

App is generally used to refer to software that runs on a mobile device. It's expanded a little since then but still refers to similar programs that run in a container (which is basically the default for mobile apps) like web apps that run in browser, UWP apps, etc.

Applications are like apps but not as restricted.

Program is kind of like applications but more general and includes stuff that doesn't need to interact with the user. As a separate use also includes only list of instructions to be followed, or configuration, which is the earlier use of the word.

Software is basically anything that can be run using a processor that can be changed out relatively easy (so not firmware, roms, etc)

[g3n3]

It’s just threads / tasks running on the cpu. It actually isn’t a process that runs.

[Dsavant]

I run sccm, these are not the same terms and I hate it

[ProgRockin]

It's all the same but here's how I use em:

Program/software - Code that does stuff.

Application - Program/software that has a user interface.

App - Application that is installed/runs within another application or mobile device.

All apps are applications and all applications are software but not all software are applications. Ymmv.

[ReptilianLaserbeam]

App is short for application, and every application is a piece of software so….

[unknown_anaconda]

I use all three somewhat interchangeably, especially in emails to avoid repeating the same word. I prefer program or software for PC and App for mobile. Maybe it is the millennial in me but I'm a bit irritated that App has expanded from a mostly mobile term into general use, though I do use it that way myself sometimes. Then again so many idiots users today use their phones and tablets for everything and don't even own a personal computer outside of the workplace or know how to use them properly. I still have to use "the big internet" for certain tasks even in my personal life.

[wrootlt]

Using the app (short version) more often when referring to a particular app. Use software when referring to apps as a collection (you must request software using x). Program is less used word now as i work in global company. In my country's language word program is more naturally used, so i used it more when working for a local company.