When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn 
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.
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
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:
- Multi-platform refers to software developed separately for each supported platform, maintaining consistent functionality.
- Platform-independent software runs on any platform without modifications, often through a universal codebase or virtual machines, like Java programs on the Java Virtual Machine.
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:
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:
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
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 
- Broader market reach
- Reduced development сosts
- Simplified updates
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
What is cross-platform in simple terms?
What does cross-platform mean in games?
What is the goal of cross-platform?
What is an example of a multi-platform?
What is a cross-platform app?
References
- Xamarin (Dot-Net – Microsoft)
- Electron Official Website (Electron)
- Flutter Official Website (Flutter)
