20 Interesting Facts About Software
Software is the invisible force that powers modern technology, shaping industries, communication, and daily life. From the earliest programming languages to artificial intelligence-driven applications, software has changed dramatically over the decades. While most people interact with software daily—whether through smartphones, websites, or business applications—few realise the incredible history, surprising facts, and groundbreaking innovations behind it.
1. The Origins of Software: The First Programmer Was a Woman
The first programmer was Ada Lovelace, an English mathematician in the 1800s. This is significant because the contributions of women in technology have often been overlooked. She worked on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine and wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine. Her visionary insights laid the foundation for modern computing, long before the first computers were built.
2. The First Computer Bug Was a Real Insect
The term "bug" in software development originated from an actual insect. In 1947, engineers working on the Harvard Mark II computer discovered that a moth had caused a malfunction by getting stuck in the machine’s circuits. They logged the event as "debugging," leading to the modern term "software bug."
3. There Are Over 700 Programming Languages
While only a handful of programming languages dominate the industry, as of 2025, there are over 700 programming languages designed for various applications. Some of the most widely used languages include Python, JavaScript, C++, Java, and Swift. Each language serves a unique purpose, from web development to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
4. The First Computer Virus Was Created in 1986
The first known computer virus, Brain, was developed by two Pakistani brothers in 1986. Ironically, it was not designed for malicious purposes but rather to protect their software from piracy. However, it unintentionally spread worldwide, marking the beginning of cybersecurity threats.
5. "Hello, World!" Is a Tradition in Programming
When learning a new programming language, developers often write a simple program that outputs "Hello, World!". This tradition dates back to the early days of computing and serves as a basic test to ensure the language is functioning correctly.
6. Software Development Is a High Paying Job
Software engineers and developers are among the highest-paid professionals globally, with specialised roles in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity commanding even higher salaries.
7. JavaScript Is the Most Popular Programming Language
JavaScript remains the most widely used programming language, with 49.47% usage among developers in 2025. It powers websites, mobile applications, and interactive web elements, making it an essential tool for modern development.
8. The First Programming Language Was FORTRAN
IBM developed FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslating System) in 1957 for scientific computing. It was one of the earliest programming languages and is still used today in high-performance computing applications.
9. The First Software Patent Was Filed in 1968
Software patents became a legal concept in the late 1960s, distinguishing software from hardware. This led to debates about intellectual property rights in the digital age.
10. Software Engineers Are Always Learning
The field of software development changes rapidly, requiring engineers to continuously update their skills. New programming languages, frameworks, and technologies emerge regularly, making lifelong learning essential for developers.
11. Open-Source Software Powers the Internet
Many of the technologies that run the internet, including Linux, Apache, and MySQL, are open-source software. This means they are freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, fostering innovation and collaboration.
12. Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionising Software
AI-driven software is transforming industries, from healthcare and finance to entertainment and cybersecurity. Machine learning algorithms enable applications to analyse data, make predictions, and automate complex tasks.
13. Software Controls Space Missions
NASA relies on highly sophisticated software to control spacecraft, analyse planetary data, and ensure astronaut safety. The software used in space missions undergoes rigorous testing to prevent errors that could jeopardise operations.
14. Video Games Contain Millions of Lines of Code
Modern video games are incredibly complex, with some titles containing over 100 million lines of code. Games like Grand Theft Auto V and Cyberpunk 2077 require extensive programming to create realistic graphics, physics, and AI-driven interactions.
15. The Internet Runs on Software
Every website, app, and online service relies on software to function. Web browsers, search engines, and cloud computing platforms are all powered by sophisticated software systems.
16. Software Can Predict the Future
Predictive analytics software uses machine learning and big data to forecast trends in finance, healthcare, and marketing. Companies use these insights to make strategic decisions and optimise business operations.
17. Cybersecurity Is a Growing Concern
With the rise of cyber threats, software security has become a top priority. Encryption, firewalls, and AI-driven threat detection help protect sensitive data from hackers and cybercriminals.
18. Software Is Used in Medicine
Medical software assists in diagnosis, treatment planning, and robotic surgeries. AI-powered applications analyse medical images, detect diseases, and improve patient care.
19. Cloud Computing Has Transformed Software Delivery
Instead of installing software on individual devices, cloud computing allows users to access applications remotely. Services like Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) enable businesses to scale operations efficiently.
20. The Future of Software Is Quantum Computing
Quantum computing promises to revolutionise software by solving complex problems exponentially faster than traditional computers. Companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are investing in quantum software development.
If you’d like to discuss an idea about taking advantage of recent advancements in the digital world for your business, feel free to contact EYB Solutions for more information.
