What is the characteristic of shareware software?

Shareware software is designed to allow users to evaluate the product before making a purchase. This characteristic enables users to try out the software, typically with some limitations, for a specific period or with restricted features. After the evaluation period ends, users may be required to pay a fee if they wish to continue using the full functionality of the software.

This model benefits both developers and users; developers can attract potential customers by allowing them to use the software at no initial cost, and users can determine if the software meets their needs before committing to a purchase. Consequently, this evaluation aspect is a defining feature of shareware, differentiating it from freeware, which is fully free for unlimited use, or software that requires payment upfront for use.