What do you call the instructions that dictate how data is processed by the CPU?

The instructions that dictate how data is processed by the CPU are referred to as programs. Programs are sets of instructions that the computer executes to perform specific tasks, and they can range from operating systems to applications that perform various functions. They instruct the CPU on how to handle data, perform calculations, and interact with hardware components, effectively making them the central mechanism through which the CPU operates.

While applications are indeed types of programs designed for end-users, the term "programs" encompasses all software, including system-level software that manages hardware and other foundational tasks. Firmware is a specific type of software that is closely tied to hardware, providing low-level control for devices but does not generally encompass all data processing instructions. Scripts are often smaller programs that automate tasks but are also a subset of programs. Therefore, referring to these instructions as programs gives a more comprehensive and accurate understanding of how data processing is structured in computer architecture.