Utility routine is a term used in the software development industry, referring to a collection of prewritten code that performs a specific task. These routines are vital to make the software development process efficient and cost-effective. There are a few synonyms for this term, including utility function, program subroutine, and helper function. A utility function is a specific type of function that assists in the calculation or manipulation of a program's data. Program subroutine refers to a set of predefined instructions that execute within a larger program. Helper function describes a subroutine that helps a primary function complete a task, making it more efficient. Regardless of the synonym, utility routines are essential building blocks for creating successful software.