In the world of digital technology, you may have often come across the term software while using computer, laptop or a smartphone. But have you ever heard the term firmware? Like software, firmware is also an important part of several day-to-day devices we use. Since firmware is a type of software, there are several misconceptions and confusion regarding software vs. firmware. This blog will clear all your doubts to help you understand both the terms thoroughly.
But before diving deeper into software vs. firmware, we will look at what exactly these terms are.
What is Software?
Software is a short running background program, which enables the system to work. It is a set of instructions which is capable of controlling a computer through programming, operations, and data. It performs a specific task which is assigned to it. It can be installed in a computer and has various applications.
What is Firmware?
Firmware is a type of software which controls specific hardware devices. It is updated to fix bugs and is useful in providing boot code for computer system. The devices that contain firmware are TV Remote, consumer appliances, etc. It is generally programmed information that is responsible for hardware operations.
How Software differentiates from Firmware?
| Criteria | Software | Firmware |
| 1. Programming language | Can be developed using both low level languages and high level languages such as C++, Java, Python, etc. | Usually in C language or in assembly language |
| 2. Update | Software updating is easier than firmware | Firmware updating is bit tricky |
| 3. Size | Ranges between hundred kilobytes (kb) to a few gigabytes (gb) | Very small and generally ranges between a few kilobytes (kb) |
| 4. Functionality | Software functions for user interaction | They are hidden on device and do not function for user interaction |
| 5. Memory | Usually copied to RAM before execution begins | It can be executed directly from the non-volatile |
Software and Firmware are designed in different manner but their function is supplementary to each other. With all the differences mentioned above, it is easy to comprehend that firmware is a sub-class of software and software is an umbrella term, which describes code running. We hope this blog has given you the information needed to distinguish software vs. firmware.
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