Application Software: What Is It? And What Are Its Various Types?
Application Development
Ricky Philip September 21, 2022
  • We all use different computer software solutions to accomplish certain requirements or to perform specific tasks. 
  • These software applications can be used for official purposes, such as sending an email or creating a spreadsheet, and they can even be used to play music or browse the Internet. 
  • So, how can businesses benefit from such application software and what are its different types?

Software solutions were invented to eliminate manual labor, reduce expense and improve efficiency as well as productivity. With the advancement of technology and application software development, many businesses have used the power of computers and the Internet to their advantage.

In the past, not just businesses but even individuals had to spend a lot of time and money performing manual tasks. But all that has changed with the emergence of software solutions and applications. It has made our lives much easier, and with the evolution of technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), application software is only getting better.

Types of application software

Here are some benefits of having software solutions:

  1. Software saves us time and effort by performing tasks automatically.
  2. It enables us to work on several projects at once.
  3. It helps us manage our work more efficiently; and
  4. It provides us with an opportunity for personal growth through self-improvement.

What Is Application Software? 

Application software is a category of Software that has three major components: the operating system (OS), application programs, and data. All these components are together used by the software to performs a specific task, such as word processing, database management, or spreadsheet calculation. 

Application programs are composed of one or more programming languages that perform specific tasks. Data may be read from or written to disk or other media using various methods.

Common examples of application software include word processing programs, spreadsheets, email clients, web browsers and media players (such as iTunes).

What Is The Purpose Of Application Software?

Application software can be written for a variety of purposes. Some are intended to perform only one task, such as word processors and spreadsheets. Whereas some can be leveraged by multiple users simultaneously for different purposes, such as financial management software or web browsing. Application software can be provided on physical media (often called “software packages” in contrast to “programs”), it can be delivered electronically via the Internet or on USBs, or it can be distributed in data storage formats such as databases or XML files.

It can be found in all sectors where people need to use their computers or software to perform tasks quickly and cost-efficiently, e.g., office automation, scientific research and numerical simulation.

Application software can be installed on your phone or computer. When you install an application, it is stored in the app store, where other users have the ability to download it. Application programs are designed to run specific tasks and are not designed to be user-friendly. Users must learn how to operate the program before using it for basic tasks.

Why Do Businesses Need Application Software?

There are many reasons why businesses need application software. One of the most important reasons is that they can create a product or service that will help them to serve their customers better.

In addition, businesses are now able to do many things online. For example, they can sell their products online and receive payments through credit cards or Paypal accounts. This saves them time and money as they do not have to visit the bank daily to get money from their customers’ accounts.

Businesses need software to run their day-to-day operations. The most common use of business application software is for accounting and finance, but there are many other uses. Businesses also use it for human resources, sales, marketing and management.

The benefits of using business application software are numerous:

  1. Reduced cost
  2. Increased efficiency
  3. Improved customer service
  4. Better employee productivity

It also allows businesses to connect with their customers and partners more personally. Software also helps businesses with their goals, whether it is to increase sales or improve customer satisfaction. This can be accomplished by creating better products or making existing products easier to use.

benefits of application software

Types of Application software

There are many types of application software, but they all have to solve some kind of problem. The solution might be a new way to process data or something more complex like a program that controls a robot.

The type of software you use depends on what kind of problem you’re trying to solve. For example, if you’re writing a program for a bank, you probably want to use banking applications rather than accounting applications. However, suppose you’re creating a game for your company’s website. In that case, it doesn’t matter what software is being used since this is just a game that players will interact with, not an accounting system or anything else.

Some examples are:

1) Multimedia Software

Such application software mainly comes under the entertainment sector. The Multimedia Software allows users to open, edit, remix and record image, audio or video files. Some of the popular multimedia applications are:

  • Windows Media Player
  • VLC Player
  • Image Viewer
  • iTunes
  • Filmora 11

Moreover, businesses can use such application software to broadcast multimedia and share them on the Internet with a single click.

2) Web Browsers

Internet browsers are pre-installed application software which is now part of every modern computer system. Some of the most popular web browsers in 2022 are: 

  • Google Chrome
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • Brave
  • Vivaldi
  • Microsoft Edge

Such application software can help users navigate different websites on the Internet. 

Moreover, businesses can also use web browsers to access the Software as a Service and download installation packages of other application software.

3) Application Development Software

These are different types of application software that developers leverage to create innovative software solutions. Such application software mainly consists of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that are freely available in online repositories. Developers can quickly download and install them to write code for creating a new application. 

4) Enterprise Software

Enterprise software is an application software that is leveraged by almost all medium and large organisations. This application software can help employees manage or monitor the entire business process through a single dashboard. It can also automate certain tasks and can be customised according to an individual’s or business’s requirements.

5) Testing Software

To ensure application security, reliability, efficiency and usability, it must be tested before deployment. Testers and QA teams leverage several test automation services to ensure product reliability. Testers use modern application software to identify loopholes in both enterprise solutions and networks in order to maintain data confidentiality and integrity. Some of the most popular application software used for testing are:

  • Netsparker
  • Wireshark
  • Metasploit
  • Aircrack 

6) Spreadsheet Software

These application software solutions are employed by different sectors, including healthcare, education, industries and more. It helps users to analyse, store and evaluate data quickly as well as perform various arithmetic calculations. Some popular examples of spreadsheet application software are: 

  • Google Sheets,
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Apple number

These easily accessible application software are integrated with cutting-edge APIs and third-party tools, thus enhancing usability, collaboration and automation. 

7) Database Software

As the name indicates, database application software is mainly used to store, organise, and process data into a reliable format Some of the most popular database software applications are:

  • MS Access
  • Database Management System 
  • MySQL
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • Oracle 

Businesses such as online E-commerce stores can leverage such application software to store the usernames and passwords of visitors, helping them to log in quickly.

Improve business efficiency with Application Software

Looking for an innovative application software development company in the USA or UK? At ThinkPalm, we help small, medium and large enterprises bring their software ideas to life. We are among the most trusted technology partner for several reputable businesses across the UK, USA, the Middle East and Japan. Our software developers and testers have quickly and cost-efficiently helped businesses bring their ideas to life by building robust mobile and web applications. We also offer FREE IT consultation and can provide insights into developing next-generation products that have a meaningful impact on the IT industry and sustainable business practices across various industries. 

If you are looking for a software development company with transparency, shared values, and a focus on the customer’s success, then ThinkPalm can be your most trusted partner. We do not simply provide innovative tech solutions; we go out of our way to make your product incredible based on profound market research. Contact us today to build custom software for your digital transformation journey.

application software uses


Author Bio

Ricky Philip is a content strategist, who has an unparalleled dedication to building productive and engaging website content that attracts traffic and increase search engine rankings. If not typing furiously on his keyboard, Ricky is constantly learning ways to enhance search traffic acquisitions.