I'm clueless. Why do people make a differentiation between Apps and other programs? What's the difference?

“App” == “Application” == “Program”

Same thing.

There may be some difference in what code language they have to be programmed in, though, or what platforms they’re designed for. And I know that they’re all programs, but I’m asking why people make a differentiation, not only whether there is one.

Someone with technical knowledge of the subject should respond, I don’t just want common sense answers.

To differentiate them.

There may be some difference in what code language they have to be programmed in, though, or what platforms they’re designed for. And I know that they’re all programs, but I’m asking why people make a differentiation, not only whether there is one.

Someone with technical knowledge of the subject should respond, I don’t just want common sense answers.

The term is more generally used with smart phones. While programs tend to stick with Computers. however as tom g mentioned they are the same thing.

They’re the same thing, it’s just a way for marketing to make smartphones sound extra cool and cutting-edge. Programs on phones aren’t new (nor are they necessarily that awesome – dumbphones have programs), but apps? Omg, now everyone and their grandma must get their hands on a smartphone.

@guywithanaccountnow: “There may be some difference in what code language they have to be programmed in, though, or what platforms they’re designed for.”

Nope.

@guywithanaccountnow: “And I know that they’re all programs, but I’m asking why people make a differentiation, not only whether there is one.”

Like @auhsojsa said, the term “apps” is often used these days by the unwashed masses when talking about smart phone applications (or iPhones to be more specific), although that really depends on the person. Prior to smart phones, almost everyone I would talk to used the term “app” to mean “application” or “program”.

@guywithanaccountnow: “Someone with technical knowledge of the subject should respond, I don’t just want common sense answers.”

software engineer

We were talking “applications” when I started learning RPG II in 1970. My understanding of it was that an application was a set of programs designed for some particular practical purpose, such as billing or inventory control. One business application took a few or even many programs.

Things aren’t done that way now; computing power is much greater, technology is much more sophisticated, and computers are used for a huge number of purposes and not just gross functions such as sales analysis and forecasting. But I would think it would still be true that one or more programs would be involved in creating an application.

Someone who’s up on current technology may have a different view. I spent many years involved in documentation of high-tech systems without getting close to the nitty-gritty.

Yup, my engineering buddy just confirmed with me design wise they are the same. It’s strictly a term thing. But for some odd reason it doesn’t seem right to say, “Hey on your iPhone what was that program called again?” as opposed to ‘App’ it just rolls off the tongue easier I gues.

I think “program” is an ancient term in the history of computers, while “app / application” is much more modern. In 1946, when they started writing software for Eniac, it never would have occurred to anybody to call them “apps.” I’m not even sure the word “software” was coined yet. But they called them “programs” right from the start. It’s a real throwback. The term “app,” on the other hand, came of age with the iPhone.

@gasman, did you notice that I said we were calling them “applications” in 1970? That’s just when I started studying programming, and I don’t think they invented it the day I walked in. We also spoke of “software.”

I think it’s probably just marketing, e.g.
“Apple’s App Store” vs “Apple’s Program store”
“There’s an app for that” vs. “There is software for that”
“Android App” vs. “Android Program”

I program computers for a living, I use the terms synonymously.

I do not think that there is a difference because a program and an app are basically the same thing but I guess it depends on who you are talking to to what they call it!!