The term "software" was coined in the 1950s and stands for the programs and instructions that direct computer hardware. Unlike hardware, which you can physically touch, software is intangible and includes everything from word processors to video games and operating systems.

Early computers were programmed using punch cards and switches, but software development soon evolved into a vast field, giving rise to programming languages, application suites, and even artificial intelligence. The modern software industry is worth billions, and software updates now routinely add new features or fix bugs, keeping devices running smoothly and securely for users worldwide.