Which type of software serves as a bridge between hardware and application programs?

System software is essential because it acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and the application software that users interact with. This software includes the operating system, which manages hardware resources, provides a user interface, and facilitates the execution of application software. It ensures that the various components of hardware can communicate effectively, allowing applications to perform tasks without needing to know the specifics of the hardware.

For example, when an application like a word processor requests to save a document, it is the system software that translates that request into the appropriate commands for the operating system and hardware involved, such as the storage device. Thus, without system software, application programs would have no way to interact with the hardware, making it a crucial component of a computer's functionality.