The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to software: Software – collection of computer programs and related data that provides the information for the functioning of a computer.
It comprises procedures, algorithms, and documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system.
Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.
It encompasses a planned and structured process from the conception of the desired software to its final manifestation,[4] which constitutes computer programming, the process of writing and maintaining the source code.
Software development includes research, prototyping, modification, reuse, re-engineering, maintenance, or any other activities that result in software products.