How should software or applications be formatted when referenced?

Software or applications should be referenced with core elements identifying the creator, software title, version, publication year, and location or URL. Generally, citations follow formats similar to referencing other digital sources within a recognized style guide. Key principles include using a specific citation style consistently throughout the work. Always identify the creator (individual, group, or organization), the precise software title, its version number, the year of publication or most recent update, and the source (a URL or publisher name). Be cautious of corporate authors and proprietary versus open-source software. Italicize the software title according to most styles, and ensure the URL is accessible and accurate. Correct citation ensures verifiability, academic integrity, and allows readers to locate and potentially utilize the referenced tool. Apply this format when directly relying on software functionality, algorithms, interfaces, or outputs within your research. For example: Author/Organization. (Year). *Software Title* (Version) [Description]. Publisher/Location. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL. This practice prevents plagiarism and supports replicability.