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Thread: what is an "app" vs "program"
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2021-01-09, 11:35 PM (ISO 8601)
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what is an "app" vs "program"
I'm used to referring to things run on a computer as computer programs. But lately I hear folk talking about Outlook, Word, and other things that run on computers as "apps", when they seem just like normal computer programs to me. I first heard the word "app" to basically refer to (in my mind) programs or things emulating programs that run on a phone.
Is there any real difference between program and app?
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2021-01-10, 12:43 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
In general, "app" refers to a program designed for end users, like the longer "application" does. I suspect the term became popular because of its easy, simple sound (compare to e.g. "prog", which sounds harsh; and "ram", which could get mixed up with memory/sheep/trucks/collisions/etc.).
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2021-01-10, 01:09 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
"App" is short for "application", which is what Apple called executable programs in the early Mac days. The shortening came into vogue around the start of smartphones, when the name got attached to little programs on phones and such--"there's an app for that." Possibly non-coincidental is that the iPhone apps sound like little Apples.
But the "application" term could possibly predate Macintoshes, but I'm unaware of any instances.
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2021-01-10, 01:12 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
No, they are synonymous. Program has other meanings as well, but both mean the same as "executable" - a set of instructions that accomplish a set of goals packaged under a single UI for ease of use by humans through some electronic interface.
The term became popular thanks to a very successful PR campaign ("There is an app for that"), but I can believe the term was selected for said campaign on the basis of the characteristics you mention.
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2021-01-10, 02:07 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
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2021-01-10, 05:50 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
An Application used to be a set of one or more programs packaged under one banner and (usually) designed to work together - Microsoft Office, for example, was an application consisting of Word, Excel, Powerpoint (and for the more expensive versions, Access). Word, Access and Excel themselves had several subprograms and could be considered applications in their own right.
As you can see, it's not a big jump from "Application" to "App".
My old job title (those many years ago) was Application(s) Programmer, and one of our business units is still referred to as Applications Management. Applications consisting of several hundred descrete programs (each performing a specific business function) were not unusual.Last edited by Manga Shoggoth; 2021-01-10 at 05:51 AM.
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2021-01-10, 07:35 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
Apps are modern and hip. It's what the cool kids call it.
Programs are old fashioned and square.We are not standing on the shoulders of giants, but on very tall tower of other dwarves.
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2021-01-10, 12:03 PM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
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2021-01-10, 01:48 PM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
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2021-01-10, 02:00 PM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
All of the above, but I'd like to add. The most common usage from people who know a bit more* would be in the scope and scale of the program in question. An app is a small application, hence dropping the last part of the name.
There was/is some functional differences.
For systems like Windows 8 which ran on multiple platforms there was a distinct difference in running something as an "app" or as a "program". You could have the same basic functionality in e.g. Skype (one I remember stumbling on several version with different characteristics depending on target group, Skype even had a different name when targeting businesses), but one was pared down and adapted to run on a closed limited system like tablets and phones and would be the Skype app, whereas a desktop computer could run the full Skype application. You could even run the "app" version on desktop sometimes.
They used to make a Windows RT that only ran on ARM architecture and this device could only run "app" versions of Microsoft programs.
*for the vast majority of people there is no meaningful distinction, other than maybe "apps run on phones, programs on computers".
In short, for me at least "app", still represents a much more limited program than an application would be. And usually specifically designed for a more limited context.
I guess a more technical difference for me would be an app cannot take (much) user-defined input to change itself or ti's behaviour, whereas an application can be more broadly and specifically tooled by the user.Last edited by snowblizz; 2021-01-10 at 02:02 PM.
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2021-01-11, 03:14 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
The OSI 7 layer networking model has application as the user level (physical is at the other end, like wires and stuff), that may have played into it.
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2021-01-11, 09:32 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
In my understanding, an app refers to a given platform/
"Store".
You distribute your app tailored to a certain store and gutantee that it runs there on that platform.
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2021-01-12, 05:18 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
Definitions in a living language have always been loose and imprecise but I say there is a distinction. App is an application designed for mobile devices (and is inherently limited in scope by this platform) and/or on a marketplace restricted by safety and quality criteria (besides running at all).
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2021-01-12, 05:39 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
In my understanding a "program" is a general term that covers any compiled executable code. An "application" is a program designed to fulfill a specific purpose or solve a specific problem, and "app" is just a diminutive contraction of that.
There's a weight of difference between calling something a "art app" and an "art program" - the former sounds like it's limited in scope and complexity, while the latter feels like it handles a wider assortment of tasks.Bearer of the Psionic Flame
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2021-01-13, 07:33 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
The terms are extremely fluid.
App can be short for either "application" or for "mobile application". Mobile applications tend to be more limited in scope than personal computer or server applications.
Then you have programs that are both application programs or utility programs, depending on who is using them. DISM for example is a utility if an end user starts it to repair their Windows image, but an application if an IT guy uses it to deploy updated drivers to a bunch of company laptops. Websters dictionary defines app as solely a mobile app, but that doesn't exactly rhyme with everyday use.Last edited by Misereor; 2021-01-13 at 07:36 AM.
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2021-01-18, 01:17 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
Programs are made by programmers, while applications are made by applicators.
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2021-01-18, 02:09 AM (ISO 8601)
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2021-01-18, 11:51 AM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"
Warning: This posting may contain wit, wisdom, pathos, irony, satire, sarcasm and puns. And traces of nut.
"The main skill of a good ruler seems to be not preventing the conflagrations but rather keeping them contained enough they rate more as campfires." Rogar Demonblud
"Hold on just a d*** second. UK has spam callers that try to get you to buy conservatories?!? Even y'alls spammers are higher class than ours!" Peelee
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2021-01-18, 01:29 PM (ISO 8601)
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Re: what is an "app" vs "program"