Solution vs. Application — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
A solution is an answer or means of resolving a problem or issue, while an application refers to the practical use or implementation of a concept, technology, or product.
Difference Between Solution and Application
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A solution is a method or strategy that resolves a challenge, like a business strategy, scientific formula, or technical system. An application, on the other hand, is the actual implementation or use of knowledge, tools, or software in practical scenarios.
Solutions focus on addressing specific issues or problems directly, while applications are more about utilizing existing solutions or tools to achieve a desired result.
Solutions are often developed after identifying and analyzing problems, providing comprehensive answers or plans. Applications turn these answers into tangible outcomes through execution.
Solutions tend to be conceptual and strategic, such as finding ways to optimize workflows. Applications are practical, like using a specific software tool for project management.
Comparison Chart
Definition
An answer to a problem
The practical use of a concept or product
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Focus
Resolving issues or challenges
Implementing solutions in practical scenarios
Conceptual vs. Practical
Conceptual or strategic
Practical or functional
Development
Created through problem-solving
Built from existing solutions or knowledge
Purpose
Address specific challenges
Achieve desired results through implementation
Compare with Definitions
Solution
An answer or explanation to resolve a challenge.
The scientist found a solution to the complex equation.
Application
The action of putting something to use practically.
The application of technology improved the manufacturing process.
Solution
A strategic plan to address an issue effectively.
The marketing strategy was a comprehensive solution for the company's declining sales.
Application
The act of implementing or using a concept or product.
The application of project management software streamlined workflow.
Solution
A method or process to solve a problem.
The team developed a solution to reduce production costs.
Application
The relevance of an idea or principle to real-world scenarios.
The scientist demonstrated the application of her theory in medicine.
Solution
The act of finding a resolution or answer.
Brainstorming helped them arrive at a creative solution.
Application
A formal request or submission for something.
He submitted an application to join the prestigious research program.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances.
The salt dissolved quickly, forming a clear solution.
Application
A software program designed for specific tasks.
The team used a new application to manage their daily tasks.
Solution
A method or process of dealing with a problem
Sought a solution to falling enrollments.
Application
The act of applying.
Solution
The answer to a problem or the explanation for something
The solution to the mystery.
Application
Something applied, such as a cosmetic or curative agent.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances, which may be solids, liquids, gases, or a combination of these.
Application
The act of putting something to a special use or purpose
An application of a new method.
Solution
The process of forming such a mixture.
Application
A specific use to which something is put
The application of science to industry.
Solution
The state of being dissolved
Nitrogen that is in solution in the ocean.
Application
The capacity of being usable; relevance
Geometry has practical application in aviation and navigation.
Solution
(Archaic) The act of separating or breaking up; dissolution.
Application
Close attention; diligence
Shows application to her work.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture, which may be liquid, gas or solid, formed by dissolving one or more substances.
Application
A request, as for assistance, employment, or admission to a school.
Solution
An act, plan or other means, used or proposed, to solve a problem.
Application
The form or document on which such a request is made.
Solution
An answer to a problem.
Application
(Computers) A computer program designed for a specific task or use.
Solution
(marketing) A product, service or suite thereof, especially software.
Application
Of or being a computer program designed for a specific task or use
Applications software for a missile guidance system.
Solution
Satisfaction of a claim or debt.
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense
The application of this cream should reduce the swelling.
Solution
The act of dissolving, especially of a solid by a fluid; dissolution.
Application
The substance applied.
Solution
The crisis of a disease.
Application
The act of applying as a means; the employment of means to accomplish an end; specific use.
Solution
To treat with a solution.
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.
Solution
The act of separating the parts of any body, or the condition of undergoing a separation of parts; disruption; breach.
In all bodies there is an appetite of union and evitation of solution of continuity.
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.
Solution
The act of solving, or the state of being solved; the disentanglement of any intricate problem or difficult question; explanation; clearing up; - used especially in mathematics, either of the process of solving an equation or problem, or the result of the process.
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.
Solution
The state of being dissolved or disintegrated; resolution; disintegration.
It is unquestionably an enterprise of more promise to assail the nations in their hour of faintness and solution, than at a time when magnificent and seductive systems of worship were at their height of energy and splendor.
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.
Solution
The act or process by which a body (whether solid, liquid, or gaseous) is absorbed into a liquid, and, remaining or becoming fluid, is diffused throughout the solvent; also, the product resulting from such absorption.
Application
The act of requesting, claiming, or petitioning something.
Solution
Release; deliverance; discharge.
Application
Diligence; close thought or attention.
Solution
The termination of a disease; resolution.
Application
A kind of needlework; appliqué.
Solution
A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution;
He used a solution of peroxide and water
Application
(obsolete) Compliance.
Solution
A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem;
They were trying to find a peaceful solution
The answers were in the back of the book
He computed the result to four decimal places
Application
The act of applying or laying on, in a literal sense; as, the application of emollients to a diseased limb.
Solution
A method for solving a problem;
The easy solution is to look it up in the handbook
Application
The thing applied.
He invented a new application by which blood might be stanched.
Solution
The set of values that give a true statement when substituted into an equation
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.
Solution
The successful action of solving a problem;
The solution took three hours
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.
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.
Application
The capacity of being practically applied or used; relevancy; as, a rule of general application.
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.
Application
The act of making request of soliciting; as, an application for an office; he made application to a court of chancery.
Application
A request; a document containing a request; as, his application was placed on file.
Application
A verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school;
December 31 is the deadline for applications
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
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
Common Curiosities
Are solutions always technical?
No, solutions can be strategic, business-related, or theoretical.
Can a solution lead to an application?
Yes, solutions often provide the foundation for useful applications.
Is a solution the same as an application?
No, a solution provides an answer, while an application is the practical implementation of knowledge.
Is an application always software-based?
No, applications also refer to practical use in various contexts.
Do applications require existing solutions?
Not always; applications can innovate by reimagining old ideas.
Is finding a solution a prerequisite for application?
Typically, yes, because solutions guide how an application should work.
Is a solution theoretical or practical?
It can be either, depending on the problem being solved.
Do applications improve over time?
Yes, applications evolve with new technology or knowledge.
Are solutions necessarily creative?
Yes, developing solutions often requires creative thinking.
Can an application serve as a solution to a problem?
Yes, an application can be a tool or strategy that resolves an issue.
Is a solution better than an application?
They serve different purposes; solutions answer problems, while applications deliver results.
Do applications have a limited scope?
It depends on the specific application, but they often target particular goals.
Do solutions need testing before becoming applications?
Ideally, yes, to ensure their effectiveness and practical usability.
Can applications be customized?
Yes, many applications allow for customization to fit specific needs.
Is a solution always immediate?
No, some solutions may require long-term implementation.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
