A program that supports using the computer, an application or a development environment. Also called "utilities," utility software is programmed like any other software, except that it plays a supporting role. Usually relatively small programs, they typically perform a limited number of tasks.

Utility programs include file management (creating, moving and renaming folders, copying and deleting files), file search, comparing file contents as well as performing diagnostic routines to check performance and current health of the hardware.

Custom Utilities
Utilities that support a development environment can perform a myriad of tasks. For example, at the end of each update cycle of this encyclopedia, custom-programmed utilities are run that make sure all "See this term" references and all picture references are valid.