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Cross-Platform Development Guide

A platform refers to the hardware and software architecture that applications are built upon, such as operating systems. Cross-platform development allows building a single application that can run on multiple operating systems instead of separate versions for each. This reduces costs and development time by reusing up to 96% of shared code. However, cross-platform apps may have a more complex development process and be limited in fully utilizing each platform's unique user experience compared to native apps. Cross-platform development is best suited for limited budgets, quick timelines, or targeting multiple platforms simultaneously.

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19 views3 pages

Cross-Platform Development Guide

A platform refers to the hardware and software architecture that applications are built upon, such as operating systems. Cross-platform development allows building a single application that can run on multiple operating systems instead of separate versions for each. This reduces costs and development time by reusing up to 96% of shared code. However, cross-platform apps may have a more complex development process and be limited in fully utilizing each platform's unique user experience compared to native apps. Cross-platform development is best suited for limited budgets, quick timelines, or targeting multiple platforms simultaneously.

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ssmith21385
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Platforms and Cross-Platform Development

What is a Platform?
Platform refers to hardware and software architecture, acting like a foundation or base
on which other applications, processes, or technologies are developed. It includes the
firmware, boot loaders, BIOS(Basic Input/Output System), operating system kernels, and
BSPs.
A platform stands for an operating system on which software applications are run.
Even an application can serve as a platform if it acts as a base for other programs. For
example, The Web Browsers that we use allow the use of Third-Party Plugins, and hence
the browser application acts as a Platform for Interfacing.

Examples of Platform:
● Google Android
● Apple iOS
● Blackberry
● Macintosh Operating System (macOS)
● Windows Operating System etc.

There are usually platform dedicated teams in larger organizations responsible for
developing and delivering ready-to-use apps for users of that platform.
Organizations usually decide beforehand or according to their needs during scalability
whether to go up with native apps or cross-platform ones!

What is Cross-Platform Software Development?


Cross-platform software development is about building a single application that can run
on various operating systems instead of developing different app versions for each
platform that we want our app to be on. When an application works on more than one
platform, the user can utilize that software in a broader choice of devices.
Cross-platform development works on developing shareable and reusable code for
building apps for different OS. We write the code once and reuse it on various platforms
after making a few required native changes according to the needs.

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Why should I choose Cross-Platform Software Development?

● Cost-Effective :
○ Instead of having separate teams of developers for each platform,
you’ll need only one to create a cross-platform app. Thus saving on
the development costs. (Reduced upfront expenses)
○ Developing cross-platform apps provides access to a broader
target audience, which, in turn, leads to increased revenues.

● Time-Saving:
○ Much Reduced development times as only a single development
cycle is required to create an app that runs on multiple platforms.
○ It, in turn, ensures that the final product reaches the user faster.

● Product Maintenance:
○ Since there is a single codebase, it becomes relatively easy to test
and deploy fixes & updates while experiencing higher accuracy and
superior quality applications.
○ It, in turn, ensures that the improved product reaches the user
faster.

● Code Reusability:
○ Developers need not write unique code every time for each
operating system.
○ It’s possible to share up to 96% of code across different platforms.
○ We can make minor native changes and get our same code base
ready for various platforms.

Cons of Cross-Platform Software Development

● Complicated Development Lifecycle:


○ We need a smaller but more competent team of developers. We
need to be on the lookout for the minor changes and differences
amongst operating systems and the hardware they run on.
○ Developers may find it challenging to access smartphone
functionalities like the microphone, camera, and geolocation in
ways possible for a native app in some frameworks.

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● ‍Limited UX ‍:
○ Cross-platform apps are unable to take advantage of native UX
components. Therefore, it may sometimes be unable to deliver the
same UX experience accustomed to the platform.

When to choose Cross-Platform Software Development?


● You have to release an application on different platforms with a limited
budget, time, and resources.
● You need to target users of both Android and iOS simultaneously.
● You are working under strict time constraints.

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