- published: 07 Aug 2016
- views: 8574
Computer software also called a program or simply software is any set of instructions that directs a computer to perform specific tasks or operations. Computer software consists of computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data (such as online documentation or digital media). Computer software is non-tangible, contrasted with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other.
At the lowest level, executable code consists of machine language instructions specific to an individual processor—typically a central processing unit (CPU). A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions that change the state of the computer from its preceding state. For example, an instruction may change the value stored in a particular storage location in the computer—an effect that is not directly observable to the user. An instruction may also (indirectly) cause something to appear on a display of the computer system—a state change which should be visible to the user. The processor carries out the instructions in the order they are provided, unless it is instructed to "jump" to a different instruction, or interrupted.
A software engineer is a person who applies the principles of software engineering to the design, development, maintenance, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that make computers or anything containing software work.
Prior to the mid-1961s, software practitioners called themselves computer programmers or software developers, regardless of their actual jobs. Many people prefer to call themselves software developer and programmer, because most widely agree what these terms mean, while software engineer is still being debated.
The term programmer has often been used as a pejorative term to refer to those without the tools, skills, education, or ethics to write good quality software. In response, many practitioners called themselves software engineers to escape the stigma attached to the word programmer. In many companies, the titles programmer and software developer were changed to software engineer, for many categories of programmers.
These terms cause confusion, because some denied any differences (arguing that everyone does essentially the same thing with software) while others use the terms to create a difference (arguing the terms mean completely different jobs).
She came to me inside a package all the way from Japan
She gives me more than satisfaction and she's right in the palm of my hand
And there's so much she makes me do, guess I'm a slave to my new
Software (we are so compatible)
Software (we can write the manual)
Software (she is so expandable)
Software (it's unbelievable)
And there's no reason to be discreet
Because my program is now complete
Software
And when I look in her directions, quite suddenly I am scared
Because her technical perfection is displayed beyond compare
If we could interface awhile in some file inside my
Software (we are so compatible)
Software (we can write the manual)
Software (she is so expandable)
Software (it's unbelievable)
And there's no reason to be discreet
Because my program is now complete
Software
My little geisha wheel, she's so unreal
My little geisha wheel
She makes me feel like I'll never need anyone but my
Software (we are so compatible)
Software (we can write the manual)
Software (she is so expandable)
Software (it's unbelievable)
And there's no reason to be discreet