Application vs. Driver — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
Application software performs specific tasks for users, while drivers facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices.
Difference Between Application and Driver
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An application, often referred to as an app, is software designed to help users perform specific tasks like word processing or web browsing. Drivers, on the other hand, are software components that enable the operating system to interact with hardware components, such as printers or video cards.
Applications are user-oriented, providing interfaces that users interact with directly. Whereas drivers operate in the background, typically invisible to users, managing hardware operation without direct user interaction.
Developers design applications to provide functionality through a graphical user interface or command line interface, making them interactive. Conversely, drivers are designed to conform to strict operating system standards for hardware communication, ensuring devices operate correctly within an ecosystem.
Applications can be standalone or web-based, offering versatility in use across different platforms. Drivers are specific to operating systems and hardware, requiring updates to maintain compatibility with new systems and devices.
While applications can be optional and users choose them based on needs, drivers are essential for the proper functioning of hardware devices, without which the hardware could not operate effectively.
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Comparison Chart
Functionality
Performs specific tasks like editing documents or browsing the internet
Enables communication between OS and hardware
User Interaction
High, with visible interfaces
Low, operates in the background
Design Focus
User interface and experience
Hardware compatibility and communication
Variability
Can be optional and varied
Essential for hardware operation
Dependency
Dependent on user needs and system capabilities
Dependent on hardware and OS compatibility
Compare with Definitions
Application
A software program designed for end users to perform specific tasks.
Microsoft Word is an application used for document creation.
Driver
Software that controls hardware devices.
A printer driver translates data to be printed to the format specific to a printer.
Application
A tool that provides a graphical user interface for various tasks.
Photoshop allows for detailed image editing through its application.
Driver
Essential software without which hardware cannot operate efficiently.
Without the correct network driver, a computer may not connect to the internet.
Application
Standalone software that does not require internet connectivity.
Most calendar applications function offline.
Driver
A program that facilitates communication between the operating system and hardware.
Video drivers manage the display outputs of computers.
Application
The act of applying.
Driver
Updated to support new hardware and operating systems.
Updating drivers is crucial for ensuring compatibility with new system updates.
Application
Something applied, such as a cosmetic or curative agent.
Driver
One that drives, as the operator of a motor vehicle.
Application
The act of putting something to a special use or purpose
An application of a new method.
Driver
A tool, such as a screwdriver or hammer, that is used for imparting forceful pressure on another object.
Application
A specific use to which something is put
The application of science to industry.
Driver
A machine part that transmits motion or power to another part.
Application
The capacity of being usable; relevance
Geometry has practical application in aviation and navigation.
Driver
A piece of software that enables a computer to communicate with a specific hardware device. Also called device driver.
Application
Close attention; diligence
Shows application to her work.
Driver
A golf club with a wide head and a long shaft, used for making long shots from the tee.
Application
A request, as for assistance, employment, or admission to a school.
Driver
(Nautical) A jib-headed spanker.
Application
The form or document on which such a request is made.
Driver
One who drives something, in any sense of the verb drive.
Application
(Computers) A computer program designed for a specific task or use.
Driver
Something that drives something, in any sense of the verb drive.
Application
Of or being a computer program designed for a specific task or use
Applications software for a missile guidance system.
Driver
A person who drives a motorized vehicle such as a car or a bus.
The requirement that every moving vehicle or combination of vehicles shall have a driver is deemed to be satisfied while the vehicle is using an automated driving system which complies with domestic technical regulations, and any applicable international legal instrument, ... and domestic legislation governing operation.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
The application of this cream should reduce the swelling.
Driver
A person who drives some other vehicle.
Application
The substance applied.
Driver
A pilot (person who flies aircraft).
Application
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
Driver
(computing) A device driver; a program that acts as an interface between an application and hardware, written specifically for the device it controls.
Application
The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence.
I make the remark, and leave you to make the application.
The application of a theory to a set of data can be challenging.
Driver
(golf) A golf club used to drive the ball a great distance.
Application
(computing) A computer program or the set of software that the end user perceives as a single entity as a tool for a well-defined purpose. (Also called: application program; application software.)
This iPhone application can connect to most social networks.
Driver
(nautical) a kind of sail, smaller than a fore and aft spanker on a square-rigged ship, a driver is tied to the same spars.
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school, course or similar.
December 31 is the deadline for MBA applications.
Driver
A mallet.
Application
A petition, entreaty, or other request, with the adposition for denoting the subject matter.
Their application for a deferral of the hearing was granted.
Driver
A tamping iron.
Application
The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.
Driver
A cooper's hammer for driving on barrel hoops.
Application
Diligence; close thought or attention.
Driver
A screwdriver.
Application
A kind of needlework; appliqué.
Driver
One who, or that which, drives; the person or thing that urges or compels anything else to move onward.
Application
(obsolete) Compliance.
Driver
The person who drives beasts or a carriage; a coachman; a charioteer, etc.; hence, also, one who controls the movements of a any vehicle.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.
Driver
An overseer of a gang of slaves or gang of convicts at their work.
Application
The thing applied.
He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched.
Driver
A part that transmits motion to another part by contact with it, or through an intermediate relatively movable part, as a gear which drives another, or a lever which moves another through a link, etc. Specifically:
Application
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
If a right course . . . be taken with children, there will not be much need of the application of the common rewards and punishments.
Driver
The driving wheel of a locomotive.
Application
The act of directing or referring something to a particular case, to discover or illustrate agreement or disagreement, fitness, or correspondence; as, I make the remark, and leave you to make the application; the application of a theory.
Driver
The after sail in a ship or bark, being a fore-and-aft sail attached to a gaff; a spanker.
Application
That part of a sermon or discourse in which the principles before laid down and illustrated are applied to practical uses; the "moral" of a fable.
Driver
An implement used for driving;
Application
The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.
Driver
The operator of a motor vehicle
Application
The act of fixing the mind or closely applying one's self; assiduous effort; close attention; as, to injure the health by application to study.
Had his application been equal to his talents, his progress might have been greater.
Driver
Someone who drives animals that pull a vehicle
Application
The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.
Driver
A golfer who hits the golf ball with a driver
Application
A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.
Driver
(computer science) a program that determines how a computer will communicate with a peripheral device
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school;
December 31 is the deadline for applications
Driver
A golf club (a wood) with a near vertical face that is used for hitting long shots from the tee
Application
The act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose;
He advocated the application of statistics to the problem
A novel application of electronics to medical diagnosis
Driver
Often specific to an operating system.
Drivers for Windows are often not compatible with MacOS.
Application
A program that gives a computer instructions that provide the user with tools to accomplish a task;
He has tried several different word processing applications
Application
The work of applying something;
The doctor prescribed a topical application of iodine
A complete bleach requires several applications
The surface was ready for a coating of paint
Application
Liquid preparation having a soothing or antiseptic or medicinal action when applied to the skin;
A lotion for dry skin
Application
A diligent effort;
It is a job requiring serious application
Application
Programs that can be installed or run in web browsers.
Google Docs operates as a web-based application.
Application
A mobile or desktop program tailored for specific functionalities.
Spotify is an application for streaming music.
Common Curiosities
How do applications differ from drivers?
Applications are designed for direct user interaction and specific tasks, while drivers work in the background to enable hardware functionality.
Can a device operate without a driver?
No, devices require drivers to communicate effectively with the operating system.
Are applications essential for computer operation?
While not essential for basic computer operation, applications are crucial for performing specific tasks and enhancing functionality.
What is an application?
An application is software designed to help users perform particular tasks, such as editing documents or browsing the web.
What is a driver?
A driver is software that enables communication between the computer's operating system and hardware devices.
Do applications need to be updated?
Yes, applications often need updates for new features, security patches, and improved performance.
How do I update a driver?
Drivers can typically be updated via the operating system's device manager or through manufacturer websites.
What happens if a driver is outdated?
Outdated drivers may cause hardware malfunctions or lack of functionality with newer software or operating systems.
Can applications affect the performance of a computer?
Yes, resource-intensive applications can slow down a computer or impact its performance.
Is it safe to download drivers from the internet?
It is safe if downloaded from reputable sources, such as the hardware manufacturer's official website.
What are some examples of applications?
Examples include Microsoft Excel, Adobe Reader, and Chrome browser.
What are some examples of drivers?
Examples include graphics card drivers, printer drivers, and USB drivers.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
