The programs and instructions that tell a computer or device what to do. Software is not physical like hardware; it is information that runs on the machine.
“Software” was formed in the mid‑20th century by contrasting it with “hardware,” the physical parts of a computer. “Soft” here suggests something flexible and changeable, while “ware” means manufactured items. The term spread quickly with the rise of computing.
“Software” treats code as a kind of invisible product, like a soft good you can’t touch. The word quietly admits that the real power of a computer isn’t the metal—it’s the instructions. In a way, software turned “thoughts” into something you can buy and sell.
Software development has been historically male‑dominated in public perception, even though women were central to early programming and software engineering. As the field professionalized and gained prestige, women’s contributions were often minimized and the image of the 'male programmer' became dominant.
Use 'software' neutrally and avoid assuming developers, users, or leaders in software are male by default. When giving examples, include contributors of different genders.
Acknowledge women and gender‑diverse software pioneers such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper, Margaret Hamilton, and many others whose work underpins modern computing.
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