Software & Mobile Apps

Very, Very Detailed and Strict Breakdown:

• Author: Identify the individual, group, or organization responsible for developing the software or app. Use the full, official name of the organization (e.g., "Microsoft Corporation," not "Microsoft"). Consult the official website or documentation for the most accurate name. If the author is an individual, use their last name, followed by initials (e.g., Smith, J. D.). If the author and publisher are the same, do not omit the author. Include it. If the author is a government agency, provide the full name of the agency, following the guidelines for citing government agencies in APA Style.
• Year: Provide the year the software or app was released. This is the original release year, if available, not necessarily the year you downloaded it or are using it. If you are citing a specific version with a significant update that fundamentally changed the software, use the year of that version's release. The year should be enclosed in parentheses. If the release year is difficult to determine, look for copyright information within the software itself or on the developer's website. If a specific year cannot be found, you may omit it, but this is strongly discouraged.
• Title: Give the full and exact title of the software or app, as it appears in its official documentation or the app store listing. Capitalize the title according to how it is presented officially (i.e., follow the capitalization used by the developer or in the app store). Do not apply sentence case if the official title uses title case. Italicize the title of the software or mobile app. If the title includes a version number as part of its official name (e.g., "Windows 11"), include it as part of the title.
• Version: Include the specific version number of the software or app in parentheses after the title. If the version number is essential for identifying the specific features or functionality you are referencing, it must be included. For example, if you are discussing a feature that was introduced in a specific version, provide that version number. If the version is not crucial or is not readily available, you may omit it. However, it is highly recommended to include it whenever possible. If the version includes letters or other characters (e.g., "Version 10.2.1a"), include them exactly as they appear. If the software has been updated but the core functionality you are citing remains the same, you may cite the original version. However, if significant changes have occurred, cite the version you used.
• Publisher: Provide the name of the company or organization that published the software. For mobile apps, the publisher is often the developer listed in the app store. Use the full, official name of the publisher. If the publisher is a subsidiary or division of a larger company, you may include the larger company if it provides necessary context (e.g., "Microsoft Corporation").
• Platform (for Mobile Apps only): When citing a mobile app, specify the platform from which it is available. Use "App Store" for apps downloaded from the Apple App Store. Use "Google Play Store" for apps downloaded from the Google Play Store. If the app is available on multiple platforms and you want to be comprehensive, you can include both, separated by a semicolon, but it is usually sufficient to list the one you used. If you list both, order them alphabetically (e.g., App Store; Google Play Store). The platform is included within the brackets along with the description of the item as a mobile app.
• URL: Provide the complete and accurate URL where the software or app can be obtained. For software, this is typically the official website of the software developer or a direct download link. If a direct download link is not available, provide the URL of the main product page. For mobile apps, this is the URL of the app's listing in the app store (either the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store). Ensure the URL is a direct and stable link. Test the link to make sure it works. Do not include "Retrieved from".
• Mobile App Descriptor: For mobile apps, include "[Mobile app]" in square brackets after the version number (or after the title if no version number is available) to clearly indicate the type of source. The descriptor is crucial for clarity.

Important Notes:

• Accuracy is Paramount: Double-check the spelling of the software/app title, the publisher name, and the URL. Small errors can make it difficult for readers to locate the source.
• Official Sources: Prioritize citing the software or app from official sources (developer's website, official app store listings). Avoid citing from third-party websites or blogs unless absolutely necessary.
• Updates: Software and apps are frequently updated. If the specific version you used is critical to your citation, make sure to note it.
• Operating System: Do not include the operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, iOS, Android) in the citation. The platform for mobile apps covers this.
• No Retrieval Dates: Do not include retrieval dates for software or mobile apps.
• No Access/Order Numbers: Do not include any access or order numbers that may be provided when purchasing or downloading the software/app.
• Long URLs: If a URL is excessively long, you may use a URL shortening service (like bit.ly) only if the shortened URL is stable and reliable and you have verified that it leads to the correct location. However, it is generally preferred to use the full URL.
• Emphasis on Detail: The goal is to provide enough detail so that another researcher or reader can easily locate the exact software or app you used. Err on the side of providing more information rather than less.

Examples with Variations: