One of a generalized type of small useful modular programs, made to work together in a conceptually unified way so as to provide maximum flexibility, power, and ease of operation. Part of the Software Tools philosophy, instantiated most thoroughly in Unix.

a software application that automatically produces or modifies a work product. For example, a word processor, a CASE tool, a compiler, etc.

See: application extension

A programmme to create, modify, or analyse other software. More specifically, a Unix application program with a simple interface designed for use with other tools.

a program. More specifically, a tool is any program which is not an application program, and which is part of or an extension to the environment, thus assisting in life-cycle support of application software.