You open your phone to check the weather, book a ride, or split a bill with friends. Each of those is an application — software designed to help users perform specific tasks. The word is often shortened to app. Applications sit on top of the operating system, which manages the hardware underneath.

Applications come in many forms. Native apps are built for a specific platform like iOS or Android. Web apps run in a browser. Desktop apps install on a computer. Each has trade-offs. Native apps are faster and can use device features like the camera. Web apps work everywhere but may be slower.

Categories

• Productivity: word processors, spreadsheets, note apps
• Communication: email, messaging, video calls
• Media: music players, photo editors, streaming services
• Utilities: file managers, antivirus, backup tools
• Games: casual puzzles to complex simulations

Good applications hide complexity. A user taps a button and a ride arrives. Behind that tap are maps, payments, notifications, and databases working together. The best apps make all of that invisible.