A software program, also known as software application or simply software, is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do. There are numerous synonyms for the term software program, many of which are used interchangeably in the technology industry. Some of the most common synonyms include computer program, application software, program, app, system software, middleware, and platform software. Each of these terms may suggest a slightly different meaning depending on the context. Nonetheless, they all refer to programs created to perform specific tasks on a computer, from managing data to running games and other software tools.