An application (also called an app or application program) is a type of software designed to help end users perform specific tasks. Application software sits above the [operating system](A10-Glossary/Operating system.md) and is distinct from system software, which manages the computer itself. Examples range from word processors and web browsers to automation tools and database systems.
In a server context, “application” often refers to a specific program or service running on a host — for example, a web server process, a database engine, or a workflow automation platform. Multiple applications may run together on a single host, each providing a distinct capability to clients on the network.
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The lab hosts several applications packaged as Docker containers — including n8n (workflow automation) and Home Assistant (home automation). See Services for how these applications are exposed and used.