Firmware and software are both essential components in modern electronic systems, but they serve different purposes and operate at different levels of a computing system.

Firmware is a type of software that is permanently embedded into a hardware device. It provides low-level control for the device’s specific hardware. Firmware is usually stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM, EEPROM, or flash memory. Examples include the BIOS in computers, microcontroller programs in washing machines, or the code running in a smart TV. It acts as the bridge between the hardware and the higher-level software, enabling the device to function as intended.

On the other hand, software refers to programs and applications that run on top of an operating system. It can be easily installed, updated, or removed. Examples of software include web browsers, word processors, and mobile apps. While software relies on firmware to communicate with hardware, it operates at a higher level and provides user-facing functionalities.

The key differences between firmware and software are:

Permanence: Firmware is semi-permanent and not intended for frequent changes, while software is flexible and regularly updated.

Purpose: Firmware controls hardware directly; software handles tasks at the user or application level.

Interaction: Software depends on firmware to access and control hardware components.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for careers in embedded systems, where engineers often write firmware to run directly on microcontrollers, unlike general-purpose software developers who build apps for operating systems.

If you're aiming for a hands-on technical role in this field, it’s highly recommended to join an embedded systems course with placement to gain practical skills and job support.