End-User Computing

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What Does End-User Computing Mean?

End-user computing (EUC) refers to computer systems and platforms that are meant to allow non-programmers to create working computer applications. It is a compilation of approaches meant to better involve and integrate end users and other non-programmers into the world of computing systems development. EUC is broad and may encompass different meanings that are more or less related, but has the overarching context of allowing end users to better control their computing environment without the aid of real programmers or developers, such as an accountant using Microsoft Excel to automate his/her tasks.

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Techopedia Explains End-User Computing

End-user computing encompasses all uses of computers by non-developers, in short the end users that the programmers develop for. With this broad definition, all computing being done that is not related to development can be considered as EUC.

There are basically three types of EUC:

  • Traditional EUC, where the end user simply uses applications and computer systems developed by developers for them to help in their work.
  • End-user control, where package applications and hardware are purchased for the user’s department.
  • End-user development, where the user is given a set of tools that allow him/her to customize and even create applications that can be used for his/her own work, department, organization or even as a product.
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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.