What is software?

Software is a collection of coded instructions that tells a computer what to do and how to do it. It is the non-physical part of a computer system, enabling hardware components to perform specific tasks. Software can range from simple programs like calculators and text editors to complex systems like operating systems and enterprise applications. 

It is written using programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Without software, hardware alone is useless because it cannot execute actions or process data. Software bridges the gap between user commands and machine operations by interpreting inputs and producing outputs. It is categorized broadly into system software, which manages hardware and operations, and application software, which performs user-oriented tasks. 

Additionally, programming tools and libraries help developers create and maintain other software. Software updates, debugging, and maintenance ensure reliability and security. Overall, software is the functional intelligence of any computing system—it defines how a device behaves, how efficiently it runs, and what tasks it can perform. From mobile apps to AI algorithms, every digital activity depends on software’s logic and design.