We have been using hardware i.e. all the daily drivers for a long time, and we're familiar with its components and how it works. This familiarity helps us to understand the software.
Hardware and software are designed and developed to perform specific tasks.
Observing hardware gives us valuable insights that make understanding software much simpler.
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| Hardware Vs Software |
Our daily interactions with home appliances i.e. hardware devices, such as fans, air conditioners, lights, cars, washing machines, mixer grinders, and many others, have indeed given us a level of familiarity with their components and operations.
This familiarity serves as a valuable foundation for understanding software.
#The analogy between hardware and software is commonly used to simplify complex technical concepts for a broader audience. Here's how it works:
1. Components and Interactions:
Just like hardware devices have different components that work together to perform specific functions, software also comprises various components, modules, or code segments that interact to achieve a specific purpose.
2. Inputs and Outputs:
In hardware, we provide inputs (e.g., pressing buttons, flipping switches) to get specific outputs (e.g., turning on a light, increasing the fan speed).
Similarly, in software, we provide inputs through user interactions, and the program processes these inputs to produce desired outputs or results.
3. User Experience:
Both hardware and software are designed with user experience in mind. Intuitive design and functionality are key aspects of both to ensure seamless interactions and user satisfaction.
4. Testing and Maintenance:
Just like we perform maintenance and checks on hardware devices to ensure they work optimally, the software also undergoes testing and maintenance to identify and fix issues, ensuring smooth operation.
So, let's see what hardware is.
A] What is Hardware?
Hardware means any physical element of any machinery i.e., computer, car…etc.
(Similarly, Software means a logical element of Computers/mobiles).
It encompasses all the physical elements that can be seen and touched, allowing them to perform specific functions and operations.
In the context of Cars, Computers, and mobiles, hardware includes components such as:
i) Car Hardware: Engine, Transmission, Wheels and Tires, Brakes, Steering System...etc.
ii) Computer / Smartphone Hardware: CPU, RAM, Display, Camera...etc.
iii) Industrial Machinery Hardware: Conveyor Belts, Robotic Arms, Electric Motors, Sensors...etc.
As software testers, our primary focus is not on hardware, but it is essential to understand that both hardware and software are created or designed to perform specific tasks.
Having this knowledge helps us effectively test software products.
Now, let's discuss what software is and the different types of software:
B] What is Software?
Software is a collection of programs, that combination of programs helps us to perform a task.
Software refers to the logical or intangible elements that control and direct the hardware to execute specific tasks and operations.
Let's see various types of Software as follows:
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| Figure. Type of Software |
A] System software -
It is a type of software designed to run computer hardware or for interacting with two pieces of Hardware.
Example -
a) Device drivers – Mouse driver, keyboard driver, CD driver...etc.
b) Operating system – Linus, Windows, MAC...etc.
B] Programming software -
Programming software/feature is available in Integrated development environments (IDE)s like NetBeans, Eclipse, PyCharm...etc.
Example -
a) Compiler – A compiler is a type of programming software that translates source code into machine code.
b) Debugger – Debugger is the type of programming software that provides the facility to remove errors
C] Application software -
It is a type of software that is developed to specific clients' requirements.
i] Desktop application -
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| Figure. Desktop application |
Desktop applications are also called standalone applications.
It includes a one-tier application (tier means level of structure)
In this architecture presentation, the business and database layers are available in one system for a single user. (Layer means the piece of software that is logically separated)
Internet is not required for desktop applications because everything is available in one system.
Example- Paint application, Notepad application.
ii] Web Application -
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| Figure. Web Application |
It includes three-tier/n-tier architecture.
In this architecture presentation, business, Database layers are available on each separate system.
Internet connection is required because all layers are distributed across the network
iii] Client-server Application -
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| Figure. Client-Server application |
It includes two-tier architecture.
In this business layer and database layer are available in one system and the presentation layer is present in one system
Internet connection is required because all layers are distributed across the network
Installation is required for client applications on the client system.
Ex- Zoom App, Antivirus App…etc.
Conclusion
hardware refers to the physical components of a system, while software consists of logical instructions and data that guide the hardware to perform specific functions.
very informative thnks
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