To try to define what webmaster tools and software are, it becomes very hard and elusive, much like trying to define a webmaster, the definition is so very loose and constantly changing to try to pinpoint one real definition would be misleading and exclusionary.  There are so many different types and each do something different, much like a webmaster.

In simplistic terms both webmaster tools and software are the tools that a webmaster are whatever a webmaster wants them to be or they serve the function of whatever he or she needs them to.  There are a vast number of different types of software and tools, however, that you should make yourself familiar with.

Analytical Webmaster Tools are software that can literally track users and visitors to your site.  Coming in many forms of either script, plus in tools, software or really anything that is imaginable, but the main idea is to decipher who is viewing your site and what they are looking for.  Content Webmaster Tools is software that can be used to alter the content of websites.  Using appropriate keywords and key phrases are important to keeping your website high on SEO ranking lists in order to have users guided to your site.  This tool will keep your content current and relevant.  These are tools that can constantly and consistently update the content on your website to make it relevant by bringing on an RSS feed.  Interactive Webmaster Tools are designed to draw the user in by allowing them to interact with the site directly.  They allow the site to move from passive to a social or web 2.0 site which can captivate the user and draw in repeat visitors.  Finally SEO Webmaster Tool is software that is used to increase the Search Engine Optimization of your website.  It is used to catapult your site to the top of the SEO ranking by using target keywords ensuring more traffic.

Whatever tool or software you use is only as important as knowing how to use it or understanding what you need for your website to accomplish it’s goal.  Make sure when selecting or utilizing any of these tools that you understand how they work and how you can use them to best benefit your website, otherwise they will be useless.