Software Stack

The execution of an application is supported by a stack of independent software components that cooperate. The components are placed one on top of the other in a hierarchy and may comprise an operating system, architectural layers, protocols, runtime environments, databases, and function calls. Higher-level components execute specialized duties and services for the end user, whereas lower-level components in the hierarchy typically interface with hardware. A series of intricate instructions that traverse the stack are used by components to directly connect with the application.