Difference between Software and Program

Last Updated : 26 Jun, 2024

Software and programs are closely related but have distinct roles in computing. Software is a collection of programs, procedures, and data that instructs a computer to perform specific tasks. Programs, on the other hand, are individual sets of instructions designed to accomplish particular functions or tasks. Software is dependent on the operating system, whereas programs rely on compilers to execute. Additionally, software tends to be larger and more complex, often requiring expert development, while programs are typically smaller and simpler, sometimes created by beginners.

What is Software?

Software, as the name suggests, is simply a collection or set of programs, procedures, data or instructions to instruct computers about what to do and are designed to perform well-defined functions.

What is a Program?

Program, as the name suggests, is simply a collection of instructions or ordered operations for a computer to perform a specific function or perform a particular task and achieve a specific result.

Difference between Software and Programs

Aspect	Software	Program
Dependency	Software is mainly dependent on the operating system.	Programs are mainly dependent on the compiler.
Categories	Various software categories include application software, system software, computer programming tools, etc.	There are no such categories of programs.
Size	The size of software generally ranges from megabytes (Mb) to gigabytes (Gb).	The program size generally ranges from kilobytes (Kb) to megabytes (Mb).
Developer Expertise	Software is usually developed by people having expert knowledge and experience as well as are trained in developing software and are also referred to as software developers.	Programs are usually developed by the person who is a beginner and has no prior experience.
Nature	Software’s can be a program that generally runs on computer.	Programs cannot be a software.
Necessity for Computer Functionality	If software’s are not present in computers, then computer is useless.	If programs are not present in computer, then also computer can function well because of operating system.
Download	Software’s can be downloaded on computer using internet without any need of program.	Program cannot run on computer without any software present in computer.
Features	Features of software includes security, safety, dependability, correctness, etc.	Features of program includes reliable, cost effectiveness, maintainability, profitability, etc.
Development Time	It requires more time to create software than program.	It requires less time to create program than software.
Examples	Examples of software includes Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader, etc.	Examples of program includes Web browsers, word processors, video games, etc.