Programmable networks is an academic concept and research field focused on decoupling network control from hardware, enabling dynamic and software-driven management of network functions and behavior. It investigates architectures, protocols, and methodologies that allow external control and programmatic modification of network elements and forwarding logic. Key characteristics include the separation of control and data planes, open interfaces, and the ability to install custom processing logic within the network infrastructure, facilitating enhanced flexibility, rapid innovation, and optimized resource utilization.