Get That App
Paul S. Wang · 2017
The master program is the operating system (OS), which controls everything, including hardware, files, networking, users, and other programs that run on a computer. Today people have comprehensive Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) that combine many useful tools for program development in a particular language with easy-to-use graphical user interfaces (GUIs). An application program, or app, is a self-contained software program that, by interacting with the user, performs a specific task. Some applications are intuitive to use, but most also require some learning and skills. An appreciation of programs, programming, how to effectively use programs, as well as ways programs are developed is an essential part of understanding computing. An app may be designed to work on desktops, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Most will work offline, others require an Internet connection to function fully, and still others, such as Web-based email apps, are completely online.