In order to understand software systems, a developer needs to recognise what software is at both its largest and smallest levels, essentially acknowledging the different components that make up a system at different levels. Outlined below is a breakdown of the different “levels” of software from largest to smallest:

System: Multiple programs working together in order to achieve a common goal. E.g. Google Drive.

Program: An individual piece of software that has been developed for a specific purpose. E.g. Word Processor.

Module: Stand alone parts within a piece of software used for achieving different tasks. E.g. Mail Merge.

Subprogram: A sequence of steps that achieve an objective, which is a part of a larger program. E.g. Recording and recalling Variable.

Statement: a line of code within a program. E.g. Declaring a Variable.

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