What is Software?
Software is a set of commands that enable a computer or electronic device to perform certain functions. Unlike the physical components we refer to as hardware, soft, on the other hand, is not a tangible entity; rather, it operates solely through electronic signals. Therefore, you can think of it as the instructions that guide the computer’s brain.
Working Logic of the Software
A computer or smart device needs a set of instructions to understand and process the commands you give. This is where soft comes into play. For example, every button you click while playing a game is activated thanks to codes that are part of the soft. The computer reads these codes through the operating system, interprets them and provides feedback to you.
Software Types
We can generally divide software into two main categories:
- System Software: They are soft that performs the basic functions of the computer. Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and drivers fall into this category. These soft ensure that the hardware works smoothly and other soft can use it.
- Application Software: They are soft that performs a specific function. For example, browsers (Chrome, Firefox), office programs (Word, Excel) or games (FIFA, Minecraft) are application soft. These are programs with user-friendly interfaces that we use more in daily life.
How to Develop Software?
“Developers use programming languages to create soft.” The most well-known languages include languages such as Python, Java, C++ and JavaScript. A software developer determines how the soft will work by writing code through these languages. When developing soft, the process usually follows these steps:
- Analysis: The needs of the users are determined and it is decided what the soft should do.
- Design: “Developers plan how the soft will look and what functions it will perform.”
- Coding: Soft developers write code to implement this plan.
- Test: It is checked whether the soft works without errors.
- Care: After launching the soft, developers make updates and fix errors over time.
The Place of Software in Daily Life
Software exists in every aspect of our lives without us realizing it. From the applications on your phone to your television remote control, from the navigation system in your car to the smart device in your home, everything works thanks to soft. “Nowadays, soft serves as the foundation for key technological concepts such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and big data.”
Ultimately, soft is the backbone of technology. As technology develops, software constantly renews itself and touches our lives in more areas. That’s why the world of soft will always remain a vibrant and exciting field.
