What does software primarily consist of?

Software primarily consists of intangible instructions that tell a computer how to perform tasks. These instructions are written in programming languages and are executed by the computer’s hardware to carry out operations, perform calculations, or manage data. Unlike physical components such as hardware, which you can physically touch and see, software is abstract and does not have a physical form.

The nature of software as a set of instructions distinguishes it from the other options. Visual interfaces are elements of software that help users interact with it but do not define what software is at its core. Network protocols are rules that govern communication between devices but are also not a defining characteristic of software itself. Lastly, while physical components refer to hardware, they do not encompass the instructions and logic that software represents.