Word Processor

Word Processor, in computer science, an application program for manipulating text-based documents; the electronic equivalent of paper, pen, typewriter, eraser, and most likely, dictionary and thesaurus. Word processors run the gamut from simple through complex, but all ease the tasks associated with editing documents (deleting, inserting, rewording, and so on). Depending on the program and the equipment in use, word processors can display documents either in text mode, using highlighting, underlining, or color to represent italics, boldfacing, and other such formatting, or in graphics mode, wherein formatting and, sometimes, a variety of fonts appear on the screen as they will on the printed page. All word processors offer at least limited facilities for document formatting, such as font changes, page layout, paragraph indention, and the like. Some word processors can also check spelling, find synonyms, incorporate graphics created with another program, correctly align mathematical formulas, create and print form letters, perform calculations, display documents in multiple on-screen windows, and enable users to record macros that simplify difficult or repetitive operations. See also Office Systems.

The term word processor has also been used to refer to computers introduced in the 1980s that were designed solely for word processing. Word processing computers were able to perform multiple editorial functions, such as editing text, inserting new text, deleting text, and performing search and replace functions within the text.