Embedded Software

Software that is part of a larger system and performs some of the requirements of that system; e.g., software used in an aircraft or rapid transit system. Such software does not provide an interface with the user. See: firmware?.

-- PatrickEgan? - 18 Dec 2002

---

This definition applies to many software, embedded or non-embedded. A characteristic of embedded software is that a user of the system can not determine whether the function of the system is performed by software or by hardware.

But isn't the distinction between embedded and non-embedded software futile nowadays? Systems become increasingly complex and many software parts are embedded within other software parts and/or hardware, and reversely.

-- FrankSchophuizen? - 05 Feb 2003