What is an app? Easily explained

With the triumph of smartphones and tablets, apps have become established in everyday language use. But what exactly is an app? So that you, too, can have a say in the next conversation about "Apps", we will explain what this term is all about.

Explanation of terms: What is an app?

An app (abbreviation for "Application Software") is an application software or a computer program that can perform different functions. It has no system-technical functionality, which means that the system can work properly without this program.

• For this reason, apps are also understood as "additional programs". You can use them to expand the functions of your computer, your smart TV, your smartphone or tablet.
• The term "app" became common with the opening of the Apple App Store. Since then, a large number of users of mobile devices have restricted the term app to mobile applications that run on smartphones and tablets. However, this is only partially correct, since numerous apps for computers also exist.
• In contrast to system technology applications, apps are mostly aimed at a specific target group. With an app you can adapt the end device to your needs. For example, while allergy sufferers use the "pollen count prediction" application, fitness enthusiasts use "Endomondo - running - and cycling" among other things.
• There are now millions of apps for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches alone. These applications can range from sophisticated games and digital tools to extensive business guides, which you can download from the relevant app stores.
• By the way, apps are not an invention that only came up with the development of smartphones. Even the older cell phones were equipped with such applications. Classics are, for example, the alarm function or the contacts in which you could save phone numbers.

Types of apps: native apps and web apps

A distinction is made between native apps and web apps.

• Native apps are small programs that have been specifically written for the operating system in question.
• In contrast to the native apps, web apps are only websites that have been optimized for display and use on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. The advantage of these apps is that they are cross-system, meaning that they can be used on any mobile device because they use a browser to display them.

Apps problems

Before you download an app, you should always check whether the provider is trustworthy.

• With regard to data protection, some apps are questionable. For example, some applications access your contacts in the background. It is therefore worth taking a look at the permissions of an app before installing it.
• In addition, some applications also install malware on your device, which then picks up sensitive data, such as is required for online banking. This danger lurks especially for apps that you do not load from one of the well-known app stores.
• Many apps are offered free of charge. So that the developer earns something from it, these applications are often peppered with advertising. Another way in which manufacturers make money is in-app purchases: you pay extra for additional features. Then the cell phone can become a subscription trap.

Difference between apps and a conventional program

Regardless of the operating system, there is a wide range of apps for the home computer. Even the functionality of web browsers such as Firefox or Google can be expanded with appropriate apps. Apps are therefore not limited to mobile devices. But what are the differences between a classic program and a computer app?

• Applications that can be run on a computer are divided into system and application software. While apps are part of the application software, all classic programs are part of the system or system-related support software.
• The major difference between the two types of application is that classic programs must be installed locally on the computer and support the system in its work. Apps, on the other hand, have no direct influence on the system and can, for example, be installed on a server.
• According to Duden, system software means "the entirety of the computer programs that are supplied by the manufacturer and make the system ready". Apps cannot be system programs because they are optional and have to be downloaded by the user.
• There is also a significant difference in the function. While apps usually cover a simple function such as the weather forecast or the time, the system software "Windows Explorer", for example, enables communication and selection between the files and folders stored on the hard disk.

Finally, unlike system software, apps can be programmed by any user and made available for download. In another practical tip, we will explain in detail how you can create your own Android app.