Firmware vs Software-Difference between firmware and software
This page compares firmware vs software and mentions difference between firmware and software. It mentions definitions and examples of both firmware and software.
| Features | Firmwave | Software |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The program or code which interfaces with hardware is known as firmware. It does not require any operating system. It runs on specifically designed processors. | The program or code which runs on general purpose CPUs is known as software. |
| Example#1 | Read operation and write operation is done using pin based on level of voltage. | Read operation is done using keyboard and write operation is done using screen. |
| Example#2 | Read operation and write operation is done with the help on memory (internal or external). | Read operation and write operation is done with the help of text files. |
| Programming language | assembly, C, C++ | C, C++, VC++, labview, matlab etc. |
| Background tasks | No | Yes |
| Applications | The firmware is developed for applications requiring direct and immediate control of the hardware. They are mainly developed for peripherals and devices controls. | The software is developed for applications requiring minimal or no control of hardware. They are developed based on OSs. Some software applications works on any platform and some require run time libraries to make them run. |
| Operating System | Firmware do not require any OS. There is specific OS developed for firmware to provide time critical functionality e.g. RTOS (Real Time Operating System). | Software can be written for any OS e.g. windows, linux, unix etc. |
Embedded RELATED LINKS
Microcontroller Programming
C Programming tutorial
C++ Programming tutorial
Python Programming tutorial
CPU vs DSP vs FPGA
Microcontroller vs FPGA
Microcontroller tutorial
What is microcontroller
8051 Microcontroller Architecture
Microcontroller hardware Interfacing
Microcontroller kit
What is Difference between
hub Vs switch circuit switching Vs packet switching firewall Vs router HDLC Vs PPP IGRP Vs EIGRP router Vs bridge switch Vs router WLAN Vs Ethernet LAN LAN vs WAN vs MAN
RF and Wireless Terminologies
SATELLITE
RF
Antenna
Avionics
Wireless
LiFi vs WiFi
MiFi vs WiFi
BPSK vs QPSK
BJT vs FET
PDH vs SDH
CS vs PS
MS vs PS