Qualification:
Cambridge Advanced National in Computing (AAQ)
Unit:
F160: Fundamentals of Application Development
Certificate:
Computing: Application Development (H029 / H129)
1.1 - Programs & Applications
Watch on YouTube:
Programs & Applications
The terms 'program' and 'application' do not mean the same thing.
​
A program performs individual operations while an application may use several programs together to create a functional tool for a user.
For example, a program may calculate the total of a range of numbers.
An example of an application is Microsoft Excel, which is spreadsheet software with a range of programs built in, including the ability to calculate totals, as well as many other functions.​
Programs and Applications
Every topic in Unit F160 (Fundamentals of Application Development) comes with YouTube videos to help you learn. Some pages only have one video, while others have several.
Programs
Applications
​A program is a set of instructions that a computer can understand and execute to perform specific tasks.
​
It is written in a programming language like Python or Java and instructs the computer how to perform individual operations.
Programs can be simple (e.g. printing a message to the screen) or complex (e.g. managing a database or running a web server).
An application is a type of program designed to be user-friendly and help users complete specific tasks.
Examples of applications include word processors (e.g. Microsoft Word), web browsers (e.g. Google Chrome) and mobile apps (e.g. Instagram).
Applications are made up of one or more programs.
Examples
A program has a specific purpose, that is understood and executed by the computer.
​
An example is a program that can sort data into alphabetical order. This may be used in an application like spreadsheet software.
A video editing application may include several programs, each with a specific purpose, such as a program to import video, one to apply filters, another to edit audio and another to export the finished video.
Characteristics
Characteristics of a program:
​
-
Programs are created using programming languages like Python or Java.
-
They are translated into a format the computer understands and then run.
-
Each program is designed to perform a specific function or set of functions.
-
They may not have a user interface and may not require user interaction, such as an operating system's background processes.
-
Programs may consist of smaller sub-programs that can be reused in different applications.
Characteristics of an application:​
​
-
Applications are designed to meet user requirements.
-
They are designed for specific tasks, such as editing photos or sending emails.
-
Most have a user interface to provide a way for humans to interact with the application, e.g. menus and buttons.
-
Applications may be designed to run on specific operating systems, such as an iPhone app designed for iOS.
-
They may involve multiple programs working together.​
Devices that use Programs and Applications
Every type of computer system will use programs and/or applications for different, specific purposes.
​
-
Desktops and laptops run operating systems, software applications and utilities.
-
Game consoles use applications for gaming, streaming and social features like group voice chats.
-
Smart TVs use apps for streaming and browsing and programs for remote control.
-
Smart speakers use programs to process voice commands, control smart home devices and play music based on user input.
-
Smartphones and tablets use mobile apps for communication, games and productivity.
-
AR (augmented reality), VR (virtual reality) and MR (mixed reality) devices use programs to generate and manage 3D environments, track user movements and respond to inputs.
-
Embedded systems like washing machines, smart fridges and cars use programs to manage their operations and interfaces.​
Questo's Questions
1.1 - Programs & Applications:
​
1. Explain the differences between a program and an application, using examples. [4]
​​
2. Give 3 characteristics of a program and 3 features of an application. [6]
3. Briefly summarise how four different devices would use programs or applications. [4]
As of 2025, the Google Play Store has over 3.5 million apps and is close to reaching 150 billion downloads!
Did You Know?
