Cross-Platform

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What is Cross-Platform?

Cross-platform is the ability of software applications to operate on multiple operating systems (OS) or hardware platforms with little or no modification.

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For example, a cross-platform program can run on Windows, macOS, and Linux using the same codebase. This is also true for mobile operating systems like iOS and Android, and gaming platforms like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch.

This is achieved through the use of universal coding languages and development environments that abstract away the underlying differences between operating systems.

This approach is great because it eliminates the need to develop and maintain separate versions of an application for each platform, leading to major resource savings and simplification of the software development process.

It also opens up the app to a larger user base because, regardless of their device or system, they have access to the same application functionality and user experience (UX).

Techopedia Explains the Cross-Platform Meaning

Image explaining the meaning of cross-platform

The layman’s cross-platform definition is when software is designed to operate on multiple computer operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This allows a program to reach a broader audience without separate development for each system.

To clarify, cross-platform is often used interchangeably with terms like multi-platform and platform-independent, but there are subtle distinctions:

What is the cross-platform meaning? It means a more accessible and efficient world.

How Cross-Platform Work

Cross-platform technology is designed to bridge the gap between different operating systems and platforms, allowing software to function across various environments.

Here’s how that works:

Common Codebase

Developers write code once and deploy it across multiple platforms, which reduces the need for unique code for each system.

Middleware Software

This software acts as a translator, converting generic code into platform-specific commands. It allows the application to run as if natively developed for each platform.

API Abstraction

Cross-platform tools abstract the interaction with hardware and native functionalities. This simplifies development by focusing on application functionality rather than system intricacies.

User Interface Adaptation

These tools either automatically adapt visual elements or allow manual adjustments to fit different device screens and operating system standards.

What is Cross-Platform Development?

Cross-platform development refers to the process of creating software applications that are compatible with multiple operating systems.

Here are some commonly used tools and languages:

XamarinUnity

A tool that uses C# and .NET framework to build applications for Android, iOS, and Windows. Xamarin allows developers to share up to 90% of their code across platforms. This speeds up development and reduces redundancy.

Unity, which is primarily known for game development, allows coders to create applications that run on more than 25 different platforms, including desktops, consoles, and mobile devices (mobile development). It uses C# for scripting, which provides a powerful yet straightforward approach to cross-platform development.

These tools showcase how cross-platform development streamlines mobile app development and application creation by using shared codebases and standardized development environments.

Types of Cross-Platforms

Cross-platform technology can be categorized into software and hardware. Each addresses how applications interact with different types of systems and devices.

Software Cross-Platform

This type focuses on creating software applications that are operable across multiple operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

It involves using development environments and tools that allow code to be written once and deployed on various platforms without needing major modifications.

Examples include mobile apps and desktop software that maintain functionality across devices.

Hardware Cross-Platform

Unlike software compatibility, hardware cross-platform refers to the ability of software to run across different hardware configurations.

This could mean developing applications that perform consistently, whether they’re on a high-end gaming PC, a standard laptop, or even embedded systems like smartwatches.

Categories Based on Compatibility

Cross-Platform Apps

These are applications like messaging services or productivity tools that users can access on any device, providing a consistent user experience whether on a phone, tablet, or computer.

Cross-Platform Games

Games developed to be playable on multiple gaming consoles and PCs. This allows for broad accessibility and a unified gaming experience regardless of the platform.

Cross-Platform Tools

Utilities and tools that operate across different systems, such as development environments or business applications, which are needed for maintaining efficiency in multi-platform scenarios.

Examples of Cross-Platform

Application/Platform Description Supported Platforms
Slack A communication tool that offers seamless team collaboration. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Spotify A music streaming service that allows access to music libraries and playlists on any device. Desktops, smartphones, tablets
Microsoft Office A comprehensive office suite providing uniform productivity tools across devices. PC, Mac, mobile devices
Electron A framework for building desktop applications using web technologies. Windows, macOS, Linux
Flutter Google’s UI toolkit for creating natively compiled applications from a single codebase. Mobile, web, desktop

Cross-Platform Pros and Cons

Cross-platform offers some obvious advantages, but as with everything, there are also some drawbacks.

Pros pros

  • Broader market reach
  • Reduced development сosts
  • Simplified updates

Cons cons

  • Performance issues
  • Complexity in maintaining code
  • Limited access to device-specific features

The Bottom Line

Cross-platform solutions have changed the tech and gaming industry by allowing applications to run across multiple operating systems and devices, increasing accessibility and market reach.

In the realm of website building and software development, users frequently talk about cross-platform systems, which possess the capability to operate seamlessly on end-user devices, regardless of the manufacturer, and across various vendor-supplied or open source environments.

It’s a cost-effective solution and it, generally, simplifies updates. Occasionally, you’ll run across performance challenges and complexities when integrating device-specific features, though.

FAQs

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References

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Marshall Gunnell
Technology Writer
Marshall Gunnell
Technology Writer

Marshall, a Mississippi native, is a dedicated IT and cybersecurity expert with over a decade of experience. Along with Techopedia, his articles can be found on Business Insider, PCWorld, VGKAMI, How-To Geek, and Zapier. His articles have reached a massive audience of over 100 million people. Marshall previously served as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and technical writer for StorageReview, providing comprehensive news coverage and in-depth product reviews on storage arrays, hard drives, SSDs, and more. He also developed sales strategies based on regional and global market research to identify and create new project initiatives.