'''Software for chess problems''' is a category of [[software]] intended for handling [[chess problem]]s, usually distinct from "''[[Computer chess|chess playing and analyzing" programs]]''. Chess problems are based on the rules of chess, but "[[Chess composer|problemists"]] may have little use for ordinary chess playing programs. Many chess playing programs also have an option for solving "[[directmatesdirectmate]]"s, i.e. mates in 2, 3, 4 and more moves, and some of them also has support for "[[helpmateshelpmate]]"s and "[[selfmatesselfmate]]"s.
Software for chasschess problems can be used for creating and solving problems, including checking the soundness of a concept and position, storing it in a [[database]], printing and publishing, and saving and exporting the problem. They can solve direct mates, helpmates and selfmates and even problems with [[fairy piece]]s and other [[fairy chess]] problems. There have also been some attempts to have computers "compose" problems.
