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application program

Definition

application program

An application program (sometimes shortened to application) is any program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program. Examples of application programs include word processors; database programs; Web browsers; development tools; drawing, paint, and image editing programs; and communication programs. Application programs use the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting programs. The formal requests for services and means of communicating with other programs that a programmer uses in writing an application program is called the application program interface (API).

Related glossary terms: integrated development environment (IDE), layer, Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC) , Jenkins, peer review, hybrid application (hybrid app), heuristics, program, debugging, native app

This was last updated in February 2007

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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