Word processor program

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A word processor program is an application program that provides word processing functions. The most basic of them include input, editing, formatting, and output of rich text.

The functions of a word processor program fall somewhere between those of a simple text editor and a fully functioned desktop publishing program. While the distinction between a text editor and a word processor is clear—namely the capability of editing rich text—the distinctions between a word processor and a desktop publishing program has become unclear as word processing software has gained features such as ligature support added to the 2010 version of Microsoft Word.^[1][2]

Common word processor programs include LibreOffice Writer, Microsoft Word, local/offline applications, and Google Docs, an online application.

The first known electronic word processor program was Electric Pencil, released in 1976, as a tool for programmers to write documentation and manuals for their code. Electric pencil featured basic formatting and navigation, and supported external devices such as cassette recorders and printers. Electric Pencil II was released shortly after, targeting the CP/M operating system. Several other word processing programs were released shortly after, including EasyWriter and WordStar.^[3]

WordStar was created in four months by Seymour Rubinstein after founding MicroPro International in 1978. WordStar is commonly attributed as the first WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) editor, as the WordStar editor replicated the printed output. Inspired by the success of WordStar, many competitors began to release their offerings, including WordPerfect in 1979, MultiMate in 1982, and Microsoft Word in 1983.^[3][4]

Notable programs include:

A word processing function is an essential part of an office suite, for example Writer in LibreOffice and Word in Microsoft Office. With the emergence of the internet, different cloud-based word processor programs emerged such as Google Docs and then later Collabora Online and Microsoft Office on the web which enable people to relatively more easily work remotely and collaboratively.

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