Technology, broadly defined, is everything that makes people more effective at doing something and/or enabling them to do something. This includes anything from the conversion of natural resources into simple tools to more modern, sophisticated machinery that can make a wide range of physical tasks easier or faster to accomplish. It also includes information, a wide array of media and the tools that help us stay connected to one another and the world around us.

Typically, technology is developed as a step-by-step process. It is rare for a scientific discovery or engineer’s idea to go from conception to completion without substantial changes and improvements. This is the reason that it is common for seemingly promising technologies to stall midway through their development.

Modern technology is often very complex, and the designers, builders, maintainers and users of it require extensive general and specific training. This is especially true of advanced, game-changing technologies.

Many different types of technology exist, and they all serve unique functions for different purposes. Some are used for entertainment, while others provide a more utilitarian purpose. For example, computer software is a type of technology that allows people to do various things more efficiently than they could with older forms of technology, such as hand tools.

Technology can also be used as a competitive advantage for businesses. Companies can use it to create innovative products that set them apart from their competitors and attract more customers. Moreover, they can also use it to improve the quality of their existing products and services.