A computer program is a set of coded instructions that a computer can execute to perform a specific task. A computer program can be software (such as a word processing program) or hardware (such as an embedded controller in a device). An app, short for application, is a type of computer program specifically designed for a mobile or other device such as a tablet or a smartphone. An app typically has a graphical user interface (GUI) with which the user can interact with the app. While apps are typically designed for use on a specific device, computer programs can typically be used on multiple platforms.