I don't think there's a clear definition of either. I'd say if it has no UI, it's a program. And if it has a UI, I don't know if it's a program or an app.

[–] blockheadjt@sh.itjust.works 6 points 18 hours ago (1 children)

Historically, an app is something with very limited uses, and a program is more powerful.

Adobe PhotoShop is a program. Apple Photos is an app.

[–] qjkxbmwvz@startrek.website 4 points 17 hours ago

I'd say it gets a little different with command line utilities

maybe "utility" is the appropriate term here, but I'd call something like grep a program, not an application (again

"utility" also works).

To be sure, grep is extremely powerful, but its scope is limited.

[–] some_guy@lemmy.sdf.org 4 points 17 hours ago

The original Macintosh had an Applications folder. App is what I use to cut through tech speak for people at work because the shortcut is less daunting. They have apps on their phone. They must not be scary like Programs and Applications.