What is Software? What are its types?

The information sought among complex tables can be found in a few seconds or even less. Video games have transformed into very complex structures. Art can be produced by touching the screen of tablets. Commerce is now an activity managed almost entirely by digital devices. The point that artificial intelligence has reached, and it is even difficult to predict where it will take its place in our lives in the future. There is a great common point underlying these examples that seem unrelated to each other and can be easily increased in number. This common point is that these actions, which have become an element of both daily life and business life, are carried out through software.

What is Software?

Software is the totality of commands and data that determine how a computer will work. Software and hardware, the two basic components of a computer, are interconnected in order to be functional. While hardware contains the physical parts of the computer, software is the invisible part that makes these physical components functional. Software provides this functionality through programs and codes that serve various purposes. The process generally works as follows:

A user sends commands to the operating system through the application or program they use. The operating system transmits these commands to the hardware and ensures that the desired results are achieved. The data obtained as a result of these processed commands is transferred to the application software by the operating system. Afterwards, the user sees the results of the operations performed within the program.

Terms such as operating system and application software used in this process represent different types of software. Now, let’s take a closer look at the most commonly used types of these command and data sets.

What are the Types of Software?

Software is encountered everywhere in daily life, even if we don’t realize it at first. In countless areas and sectors such as entertainment, industry, health, education, marketing, e-commerce, tools that are activated by codes that we don’t see today are used. This wide range of use has led to the emergence of different types that meet different needs. Software types can be generally grouped under four main headings.

Application Software

They are software developed with a user focus. They aim to achieve a specific purpose or meet a need. Web browsers that allow surfing the internet, picture programs or games that reveal the entertainment potential of electronic devices can be included in this category. These software allow the basic usage areas of devices such as computers or smartphones to be expanded and diversified.

System Software

They establish the connection between hardware and applications. They are divided into three subcategories. The most well-known of these are operating systems. The operating system runs on all applications on a device and allows them to access hardware resources. Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux are the most well-known examples.

Drivers that enable any device connected to the computer to work are another type of system software. The last type, service programs, facilitates the maintenance of computers and allows users to perform operations such as disk formatting, file transfer, and virus cleaning.

Computer Software

Information processed by computer systems, including programs and data, can be taken under this heading. In fact, all programs consisting of commands that enable computer hardware to operate and become functional are defined as computer software.

Electronic Software

They are developed to enable an electronic device to operate. Many devices, from large machines used in industry to smaller household appliances, operate thanks to these sets of commands. The difference from computer software is that they definitely need a mechanical design based on an electronic circuit.

Why is Software Important?

When we look at it from a general perspective, it is not even possible to imagine a world without software at this point. In a world without software, computers and phones will not work, bank accounts cannot be accessed, there will be serious disruptions in health systems, and stock market activities cannot be carried out.

In such a case, it is only a matter of time before chaos occurs. From here, we can easily see how important software is today.

On a smaller scale, these code sets make life and commercial activities significantly easier. They save us time and effort. In addition, software allows you to make a difference in an intensely competitive environment. Safe and easy-to-use e-commerce software makes it easier for you to meet customers in your commercial activities. For this reason, choosing the right programs is extremely important in business life as well as in daily life.

What are the Elements to Consider in Software?

First of all, a software must fully meet expectations and needs. Otherwise, you may need to use different programs. This both brings financial burden and prevents your work from continuing practically.

The program you choose should be easy to use. You should choose programs that have a user-friendly interface and allow you to perform operations in the most practical and easy way.

The software being updatable is also an element that should be considered. In the digital age where trends change very quickly, everything we use is at risk of becoming outdated. For this reason, by choosing software that has been developed to easily keep up with possible developments, you can prevent new needs from emerging in the short term.

What Does a Software Developer Do?

A software developer, also known as a software developer, designs and develops software programs to be used in mobile devices, computers or electronic devices. In addition, they help develop completed programs to make them more useful and trouble-free, and produce solutions.

From this perspective, it can be said that software development is one of the most distinguished professions of the digital age. In order to be successful in this profession, it is essential to know software terms and software languages.

What Does Software Language Mean?

This concept, also known as a programming language, can be briefly defined as the language used to communicate with the computer. The software developer uses these languages ​​to ensure that the action he wants to be done is perceived by the computer. The most primitive version of programming languages ​​is considered to be the Analytical Engine, developed in 1833. Approximately 800 different programming languages ​​have been developed throughout history.

What are the Most Used Software Coding Languages?

Different software languages ​​have emerged due to the development of technology and the diversification and variety of needs. Programming languages ​​are categorized as low, medium and high level depending on the amount of intervention to the hardware. Now let’s look at the most preferred software languages ​​​​of these languages.

C++ Programming Language

C++ is a programming language developed by Bjarne Stroustrup in 1979. It is considered a medium-level language and is known to provide superior performance when used in combination with high-level languages. C++ is a frequently preferred language, especially in application areas where speed is critical, such as game development, operating systems, image processing and driver software.

PHP

It is extremely useful for establishing web-based systems. It attracts attention with its open source code and Linux-based. Frequently used digital media such as Google search engine, Facebook and Twitter were initially created using the PHP language.

Java

This programming language is open source and attracts attention with its object-oriented nature. It can be shaped according to different functions. This language, which is relatively easy to learn, is frequently used for games and applications developed for the Android operating system. In addition, it is one of the most frequently preferred languages ​​for web-based applications.

Python

It is a programming language that stands out with its simple and dynamic structure. It was developed by Guido Van Rossum in 1991. This language, which can be used in almost every field, has a very suitable structure for those who are thinking of starting software and coding.

C#

Developed by Microsoft. It is one of the programming languages ​​that is easy to use and learn. It was created by combining the C programming language and C++. It can be easily used in coding games, mobile applications, console applications, web services and Windows form applications.

HTML

It was first used in 1993. It is preferred for website design and installation. It would be wrong to define HTML as a programming language on its own. It allows programs that can be run by programs that have the ability to interpret this language to be written. When used with CSS and JavaScript, HTML enables the emergence of visually powerful, dynamic structures.

ASP

It was developed by Microsoft to create web pages. It cannot work alone, it needs a web server. It is quite easy to set up an e-commerce site with this programming language.

SQL

It is a language used to design and manage data. It cannot be used on its own like HTML. It is used only on databases; for purposes such as adding, changing, querying and extracting information.

CSS

It is a very useful programming language for visually shaping websites. You can easily control elements such as fonts, colors, subheadings, and visual effects on websites through CSS.

What is E-Commerce Software?

E-commerce software can be defined as software examples that you will use in the establishment of an e-commerce system where you meet customers with your products or services over the internet. With these programs, you can monitor your inventory, accept and control payments, and manage your orders in addition to the establishment of the site where you will sell your products.

Apart from these basic functions, e-commerce software also helps you with issues such as customization of design and SEO studies.

What Features Should E-Commerce Software Have?

Such programs usually have an interface that allows you to carry out all your e-commerce activities together. Thanks to the features you can control through this interface, it becomes much easier to sell through your online store. So, what features should a good e-commerce program definitely have?

Secure Payment Options

Users use their payment information when shopping on your website. It is a common situation for this information to fall into the hands of malicious people. Therefore, by using a software that includes secure payment options, you both ensure that customers trust your site and have the chance to convince them to choose you for future purchases after a smooth shopping process.

Integration Solutions

A good e-commerce software integrates with shipping systems, supplier companies and accounting applications, allowing you to track your activities much more easily. In addition, a software that works integrated with sites such as Amazon, N11, Gittigidiyor, Hepsiburada, which are defined as marketplaces and bring together many e-commerce companies, makes it easier for you to reach many more customers.

When your e-commerce site reaches a certain scale or if you have many products and operations in terms of management, Integration solutions will definitely meet your needs at this point.

For this reason, you can obtain many different advantages together by choosing a software that offers rich integration solutions.

Product Management

Product management is a subject that can sometimes cause problems in e-commerce. Categorizing products according to their features or brands and presenting them to users with the right visuals requires extra care. By choosing a program that provides convenience in these areas, we can save time and give your site a more professional appearance.

Customer Service

It is very important that the company that provides you with the software you will use provides you with strong after-sales support. In this way, even the smallest problem you may encounter is solved in the shortest time and you can continue your commercial transactions without any problems.

In addition, you can strengthen your hand in solving possible problems by choosing a software that has a customer service network that will help you with various videos and trainings.

Order Management

By using a program with a strong order management module, you can achieve great convenience in tracking, shipping and reporting orders.

How is Security Provided in Ready-made E-Commerce Software?

E-commerce software provides a strong security opportunity by integrating payment infrastructures such as SSL certificates and 3D Secure into their own systems. SSL certificates are leveled with indicators such as 128 and 256 bits. The increase in the number of bits in these certificates indicates that the security level is also higher. You can increase the security of your site by choosing a program that provides an SSL certificate with a higher bit.

3D Secure is a very useful system to prevent purchases made with stolen credit cards. Softwares add this feature as an option, increasing the level of security for both the user and the site owner. With a software that supports these features, you can have a more secure e-commerce experience in every way.