A visual tool can be thought of as a graphics app that generates most of your program's GUI code for you1999 February, Maximum PC, volume 4, number 2:
So is a spreadsheet app, but I'm not going to put those on a web site any time soon.1999, Jerry Bradenbaugh, JavaScript application cookbook, page xi:
3 more examples
The Web browser was the killer app that kickstarted the Internet and, in turn, enabled it to be embedded in everything1999 November, AUUGN, volume 20, number 4, page 9:
Want realtime flight and gate updates? A calorie counter? A remote for your DVD player? Chances are there's an app for it. Smartphones separate themselves in another key area: connectivity2005 May, Popular Science, volume 266, number 5, page 78:
Parking is by app, which (when it works) is good. But £7.70 to park is extortionate, so GTR needs to look at reducing that.2025 October 15, 'Mystery Shopper', “About Anglia... and high scores”, in RAIL, number 1046, page 53:
SCULLY: What are these chips used for? PENDRELL: Video games, brake systems, they're finding new apps every day. I just read about one being designed to help the severely disabled operate computers using brainwaves.1995, The X-Files (TV series), Nisei (episode)
“Ky—please don't take this the wrong way—I actually have to wear a dress from our line. You know, to show off my marketing materials on my college app. So, I'm working on it with Hannah.”2011, Nicole Leigh Shepherd, Stealing Bases:
The food is some of Breck's best: apps like sweet potato gnocchi with smoked chicken and sage cream[…]2007, Evelyn Spence, Explorer's Guide Colorado's Classic Mountain Towns:
If you lay out a platter of these exciting, beautiful vegetarian appetizers, the other apps will pale in comparison.2009, Robin Asbell, New Vegetarian:
1 more example
This is not to say that we only serve apps at dinner parties. Quite the contrary; but for smaller gatherings, good appetizers can distinguish you as a host who puts more thought and effort into his or her party menu. Better yet, most apps are relatively easy to make[…]2010, Bill Allen, Grillin', Chillin', and Swillin', page 1:
app
noun
Etymology Shortening of appearance.
1
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports An appearance in a game.