| S. No. |
Parameters |
Software |
Firmware |
| 1. |
Definition |
Software’s are generally a set of instructions to instruct a computer. |
Firmware’s are generally a type of software used to control hardware devices. |
| 2. |
Interface |
Software (application software) runs on top of the operating system and has no direct interface with hardware. |
Firmware is low-level software that stands between the hardware and the operating system. |
| 3. |
Categories |
Various categories of software include application software, computer programming tools, etc. |
There are no such categories of firmware. |
| 4. |
Types |
Types of software includes application software, shareware, system software, etc. |
Types of firmware includes BIOS, EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface), etc. |
| 5. |
Size |
The size of the software is very big and generally ranges between hundred kilobytes (KB) to a few gigabytes (GB). |
The firmware size is very small and generally ranges between a few kilobytes (KB). |
| 6. |
Programming Languages |
Software’s are usually developed using both low level languages and high level languages such as java. |
Firmware’s are usually developed using low level languages. |
| 7. |
Functionality |
Software’s cannot be a firmware. |
Firmware can be a software. |
| 8. |
Update |
Updating of software’s are very easier. |
Updating firmware’s usually tricky. |
| 9. |
Designed for |
Software’s are designed for user interaction. |
Firmware are not designed for user interaction and are instead hidden on device. |
| 10. |
Memory |
Software memory is accessible and changeable. |
Firmware memory is inaccessible and cannot be altered simply by the user. |
| 11. |
Runs on |
The software usually runs on the CPU and main processors. |
The firmware does not run on CPU, instead runs on smaller processors. |
| 12. |
Stored on |
Software is kept on the computer’s secondary storage device. |
The hardware’s flash storage is used to keep the firmware. |
| 13. |
Type of Change |
It can be changed constantly. |
It is rarely changed. |
| 14. |
Features |
Features of software includes efficiency, usability, functionality, dependability, etc. |
Features of firmware includes perfect rotation counter support, floating point variable, perform all control, etc. |
| 15. |
Time |
It requires more time to create software than firmware. |
It requires less time to create firmware than software. |
