Types of Application Software with Examples (2024 Update)

Quick Overview:
In everyday life, we use multiple applications on our desktops and mobile devices to reduce effort and complete a task quickly; from sending an E-mail from Outlook and updating the status on Facebook and LinkedIn, all we are accessing and utilizing applications. In addition, with briskly modernizing the market, organizations are also advancing their strategies by crafting cutting-edge applications for their allies. Continue reading further to learn more about the type of popular application software, its examples, and the purposes it serves.

What is Application Software?

Application software is a program that developers write in a high-level programming language and install on the user’s system. For example, Windows Media Player, Adobe Photoshop, Skype, Any Desk, VMWare, and MS Paint are application software. Users can access the Software as a Service and download installation packages of other application software from online repositories. Vendors can also pre-install some applications on the system. Furthermore, installing an Operating System includes incorporated applications like Control Panel, Snipping Tool, File Explorer, and more.

Users download and install Application Software on their computer system, which requires a system software, primarily an Operating System. Whether it’s a GUI-based OS or a command-line based, it is the basic necessity of every application.

Therefore, without any additional delay, let’s dive deep into various examples of application software.

Different Types of Application Software List for 2024

• Web Browsers
• Application Development Software
• Enterprise Software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Multimedia Software
• Gaming Software
• Word Processors
• Database Software
• Simulation Software
• Penetration Testing Software

1. Web Browsers

Web browsers are the most common type of application software, which comes pre-installed on every system. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Brave, Firefox, and Safari are some of their examples and most recommended browsers to use based on security and compatibility. The user requires an internet connection to search and navigate websites using a browser.

Moreover, users can access the Software as a Service and download other application software installation packages.

Examples of Web Browsers

• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari
• Firefox
• Opera Mini

2. Application Development Software

Several IDEs are freely available in online repositories, and you can effortlessly download and install them on their system to write code for innovating a new application. For Example, users can configure Visual Studio on the computer system to produce code for developing a .NET application for mobile and desktop devices. Moreover, users can compile, test, and debug code using this software.

Examples of Application Development Software

• Android Studio
• Xcode
• Visual Studio
• Eclipse
• Unity

3. ERP Application Software

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is another business software application to link multiple departments and remote offices through a single dashboard. It can cover and automate the tasks of accounting, project management, risk management, decision-making, supply chain, transaction management, and so forth. Customizing artificial intelligence according to business requirements streamlines workflows and decreases bottlenecks.

Examples of ERP Application Software

• Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Oracle NetSuite ERP
• Acumatica Cloud ERP

4. Spreadsheet Software

This application software comprises rows and columns and helps store, process, and evaluate the data. The software flawlessly integrates with third-party tools to collect data from online forms. It can also be customized according to business requirements, enabling workflow streamlining and reducing bottlenecks.

Moreover, it empowers the user to perform various arithmetic calculations quickly for a large amount of data. Google Sheets, Microsoft Excel, and Apple number are the standard applications easily accessible and integrated with cutting-edge APIs for better collaboration. In addition, it flawlessly integrates with third-party tools to collect data from online forms.

Example of Spreadsheet Software

• Google Spreadsheets
• Microsoft Excel

5. Multimedia Software

Software aiding the user to open, edit, and record image and video files are multimedia applications. The entertainment and telecommunication sector mainly uses it for viewing and editing recorded videos. Furthermore, it integrates with several APIs, allowing organizations to broadcast and share videos on the internet with a single click.

Example of Multimedia Software

• VLC media
• VidMate
• Windows Media Player
• iTunes

6. Gaming Software

End-users can download the package through a web browser to install games on their device. GTA V, Dota, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike are examples of some of the most popular gaming applications played worldwide. Users install applications such as Steam and Twitch to play and stream games on digital platforms. These apps connect to the internet, allowing users to create teams and play with their friends and associates.

Example of Gaming Software

• Steam
• Epic Games Store
• PlayStation Network (PSN)
• Xbox Live
• Origin

7. Word Processor Software

Notepad is a common word-processing application software installed by default on every system. This kind of solution aids in inputting and editing files and adding tables, images, and links to them. Also, in advanced word software, like Microsoft Word, the user is provided with features to format text using different formats and put references. Moreover, users can select multiple color combinations, page boundaries, page color, font style, and size to make their text more appealing.

Example of Word Processor Software

• Microsoft Word
• Google Docs
• Notepad

8. Database Software

Video editing software is used in the entertainment and telecommunication sectors to view and edit recorded videos. These software application development types integrate with various APIs, enabling organizations to broadcast and share videos online effortlessly. Users also install gaming applications like Steam and Twitch to play and stream games on digital platforms, allowing them to connect with friends and associates.

The list of application software mainly functions as a backend for other solutions and helps in data flow operations. For example, an E-commerce solution can embed it and store the username and password details of a new user in the database whenever they sign up.

Example of Database Software

• Oracle
• PostgreSQL
• MongoDB

9. Simulation Software

Simulation applications utilize mathematical calculations, 3-D graphics, and algorithms to visualize real-life scenarios. They train and educate individuals about resources that are challenging to create or access, often limited to a select few. Industries such as defense, education, and IT extensively employ simulation applications in their operations. Cisco Network Simulator is an easy-to-remember example of this application, as industries use it to train their staff about installing, configuring, and maintaining network components.

Example of Simulation Software

• Autodesk Fusion 360
• PTC Creo
• Teamcenter

10. Penetration Testing Software

Testing applications are used to maintain data confidentiality and integrity by businesses at multiple stages. For example, Netsparker, Wireshark, Metasploit, and Aircrack are the testing applications used by ethical hackers and testers to identify loopholes in both enterprise solutions and networks. In addition, it helps to create a risk matrix, generating a mitigation plan for securing the IT infrastructure from malicious actors.

Example of Penetration Testing Software

• Metasploit
• Nessus
• Burp Suite
• Nmap
• Wireshark

Other Types of Application Software based on Availability and Shareability

• Custom Application Software
• Shareware Application Software
• Freeware Application Software
• Open Source App Software

Custom Application Software

Custom Applications Software is designed and developed for a specific set of users or an organization. It is only available to the defined user group, and all the functionalities are embedded according to them. Many organizations outsource resources to develop an application for their internal use only, and these are not available on the Internet. Only that particular application software companies and digital partners can modify and maintain the codebase as per changing business goals.

Businesses opt for custom software solutions as a long-term investment to increase productivity, improve customer relationships, and streamline their workload with the rapidly growing business.

Shareware Application Software

Users can access shareware applications after paying a subscription fee to the vendor monthly, quarterly, or annually. For instance, Adobe Photoshop is available only after paying the software vendor. It is freely available to provide a demo to the user for a short period. Most of the time, it is a commercial business solution, which any firm can avail of by paying the authorized company for continuous support.

With the free trial version, users can understand the functionalities and cross-verify them with their business needs. Further, users can cancel the subscription anytime and save their data offline for accessing it anytime.

Freeware Application Software

As the name implies, this application software is freely available to every user and can be downloaded using a web browser and the internet. The user doesn’t have to pay anything to the vendor and can utilize the application as long as he wants. These solutions receive very few updates to ensure that they can run using minimal system specifications.

Freeware applications such as Adobe PDF, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, and Facebook App are freely distributed to users at no cost.

Open Source App Software

These kinds of applications are available with their source code to enable the user to integrate external tools, APIs, plugins, and widgets to align with business standards. Apache Web Server, Mozilla Firefox, LibreOffice, and Blender are some examples of open-source application software. As a result, their functionality can be impeccably extended without degrading the performance and Quality of Service.

The Purpose of Application Software

Every application software development type is used for a particular purpose, such as:

• Web browsers are used to search the internet, navigate multiple web pages, and download and upload files to web-based solutions.
• Video, audio, and image files are viewed and edited with multimedia applications.
• Visual Studio, PyCharm, Atom, and NetBeans type of application software is preferred for writing code.
• The SolarWinds application is considered to monitor an enterprise’s network and IT infrastructure.
• Microsoft Suite comprises Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for word processing, making spreadsheets, and creating presentations.
• 3D Builder and Cisco Packet Trace, a simulation software, provide training to the students.

The main objective of opting for an application for completing a core operation is to save time, automate the task, and reduce the errors in the final output. In addition, organizations use enterprise management systems to optimize collaboration between their internal and external departments. Furthermore, data security is maintained with application software due to embedded authentication, access control, and encryption mechanisms.

Wrapping Up on Type of Application Software

Everyone uses application software in their day-to-day life for personal and professional tasks, and all this software requires system software to function seamlessly. Different types of Application Software are available in the market, and each solution comes with a unique license type and features. Enterprises can also fabricate customized applications, and you can combine the functionalities of multiple other application management software as per your business requirements.