The term usage can take several meanings in the context of computer science and programming. First, usage refers to the transition from the development of an application with a software program to the deployment of the application in the computer's operating system. Put another way, usage is the execution of a software application.

An example is found in the Java programming language. There, the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) defines the core of the Java operating system. A critical subset of JRE applications can be bundled into a developed application to ensure that the application runs as it should when installed on another computer. The same principal applies to other operating languages. For example, in the CGI language, so-called scripts can be obtained, and the code used for the execution of tasks.

Usage also involves the use of the codes as they are supplied. If a code has been written for a set purpose--a certain font size or the specification of bolded text are two examples--then that usage is maintained.

Usage also refers to the extent to which the resources of one segment of an operating system are used by another segment of the system. The most common example of this type of usage is the usage of memory by a program or by a function operating within a program. This type of usage can be static, in the sense that a program requires a set portion of memory to run. Or, memory usage can be a shifting trait, as data is retrieved, stored, deleted or manipulated.