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What is the difference between software and tool?

software | tool |

In computing terms the difference between software and tool

is that software is encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware while tool is a piece of software used to develop software or hardware, or to perform low-level operations.

As a verb tool is

to work on or shape with tools, e.g., hand-tooled leather.

software

English

Noun

(-)
  • (computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.
  • * 1958 , John W. Tukey, "The Teaching of Concrete Mathematics" in The American Mathematical Monthly , vol. 65, no. 1 (Jan. 1958), pp 1-9:
  • The "software " comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like.
  • * 1995 , Paul Niquette, Softword: Provenance for the Word ‘Software’ :
  • As originally conceived, the word "software " was merely an obvious way to distinguish a program from the computer itself. A program comprised sequences of changeable instructions each having the power to command the behavior of the permanently crafted machinery, the "hardware."

    Usage notes

    Software'' is a mass noun (''some software'', ''a piece of software''). By non-native speakers it is sometimes erroneously treated as a countable noun (''a software'', ''some softwares ).

    Hyponyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    See also

    * application * assembly * assembler * bug * code * coding * compilation * compiler * debugging * interpreter * linking * linker * open source * patch * programming * script * utilities * warez

    References

    ----

    tool

    English

    (wikipedia tool)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (senseid)A mechanical device intended to make a task easier.
  • Equipment used in a profession, e.g., tools of the trade.
  • * {{quote-magazine, date=2012-03, author=
  • , volume=100, issue=2, page=106, magazine=(American Scientist) , title= Pixels or Perish , passage=Drawings and pictures are more than mere ornaments in scientific discourse. Blackboard sketches, geological maps, diagrams of molecular structure, astronomical photographs, MRI images, the many varieties of statistical charts and graphs: These pictorial devices are indispensable tools for presenting evidence, for explaining a theory, for telling a story.}}
  • Something to perform an operation; an instrument; a means.
  • * {{quote-magazine, year=2013, month=July-August, author= Catherine Clabby
  • , magazine=(American Scientist), title= Focus on Everything , passage=Not long ago, it was difficult to produce photographs of tiny creatures with every part in focus.
  • (computing) A piece of software used to develop software or hardware, or to perform low-level operations.
  • A person or group which is used or controlled, usually unwittingly, by another person or group.
  • (slang) Penis.
  • (by extension, slang, pejorative) An obnoxious or uptight person.
  • Synonyms

    * See also * See also

    Derived terms

    * toolbar * toolbox * toolchain * tool chest * tooling * toolkit * toolless * toollike * toolmaker * toolset

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To work on or shape with tools, e.g., hand-tooled leather .
  • To equip with tools.
  • To work very hard.
  • (slang) To put down another person (possibly in a subtle, hidden way), and in that way to use him or her to meet a goal.
  • Dude, he's not your friend. He's just tooling you.
  • (volleyball) To intentionally attack the ball so that it deflects off a blocker out of bounds.
  • (transitive, UK, slang, dated) To drive (a coach, etc.)
  • Synonyms

    * (volleyball) use

    Derived terms

    * tool around

    Anagrams

    * *

    References

    1000 English basic words ----