Cross-platform software, also known as “multiplatform software,” refers to a type of application, program, or software that works on various operating systems (OSs) or devices, often referred to as “platforms.”

A popular example of such software is Microsoft 365, which runs on Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS computers.

Read More about Cross-Platform Software

Today, almost, if not all, software developers opt to create cross-platform applications to drastically increase their potential customer bases. Just think, if Microsoft 365 only worked on Windows systems, it could only serve 25.7% of the 2024 global computer user base. But since it works on at least three OSs, it can be used by more people.

Time to know more about the software type. Read on.

How Does Cross-Platform Software Development Work?

Cross-platform applications are specially crafted to be compatible with various devices and OSs. They thus eliminate developing separate programs for each platform.

Multiplatform software development often requires using cross-platform frameworks or tools. Examples of such tools include React Native, Flutter, and .NET MAUI.

The process requires following five steps—planning, designing, development, testing, and deployment.

Steps in Cross-Platform Software Development

Planning

In this step, developers must identify the target platforms and decide what cross-platform framework to use. They should understand the project’s requirements and constraints, such as the application’s features, budget, and timeline.

Designing

Once the developers determine what platforms to target and cross-platform framework to use, they must create a detailed action plan. They must conceptualize the program’s features, functionality, and expected user experience. To do that, they can visualize the design via wireframing and prototyping. They can tap the project’s stakeholders for feedback.

Development

In this phase, the developers start coding using their chosen cross-platform framework. The tool they chose will help them write the code once for deployment across multiple platforms. Note that they must consider utilizing platform-specific code and application programming interfaces (APIs) to provide a native-like experience.

Testing

As with developing any software, thorough testing must be done to ensure the application works seamlessly on different platforms. Apart from performing usability, compatibility, performance, and security testing, the developers must also test for platform-specific idiosyncrasies. They can, however, rely on automated testing tools to streamline this process.

Deployment

The developers can distribute the program through app stores or directly to users. If they choose the first option, they must adhere to app store guidelines and requirements to ensure smooth submission. The other path may involve distribution via their websites.

What Are the Benefits of Developing Cross-Platform Software ?

Developing cross-platform software may be more tedious and complex than creating platform-specific apps, but it can also be more rewarding. Here are some of its benefits.

  • Reach a wider market: Developers can reach more people by developing multiplatform apps instead of making different versions for each type of device (e.g., smartphone, tablet, and computer) or OS (e.g., Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS). Since they only write the code once, they save time and money.
  • Go to market faster: Developers can create cross-platform programs faster than developing separate apps for different platforms. Speed is paramount, especially if you need to be first to market.
  • Simplify maintenance: It’s pretty simple, isn’t it? Maintaining a single codebase is more straightforward than managing many versions. Developers don’t need to apply platform-specific updates and bug fixes, thus streamlining their maintenance process.

What Are the Challenges in Cross-Platform Software Development ?

It’s not all roses for multiplatform applications, though. Here are some of their drawbacks.

  1. Some such programs perform worse than their native counterparts. In particular, they respond slower, especially if they have high-quality graphics and animations.
  2. The software gets updates later than native iOS- or Android-native apps, for example. Why? They depend on new feature announcements by Apple or Google, respectively. And while native apps’ software development kits (SDKs) are updated quickly, cross-platform software SDKs aren’t.
  3. While developers only have to create and maintain a single codebase, that doesn’t necessarily make the processes less complex. Devices and OSs, after all, can differ a lot, requiring extra work.

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Cross-platform software may result in wider market reach and faster time to market, but that doesn’t mean they are less tedious and complex to develop. No matter what pushes companies to utilize them, however, the global market for such programs is poised for continued growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Cross-platform software is also known as “multiplatform software.”
  • It refers to an application, a program, or a piece of software that works on various OSs or devices, often called “platforms.”
  • Multiplatform software development often requires using cross-platform frameworks or tools, such as React Native, Flutter, and .NET MAUI.
  • Cross-platform software development offers a wider market reach, faster go-to-market time, and simplified maintenance, among others.
  • Multiplatform software may respond slower, get updates later, and require more complex maintenance than native apps.

Sources

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-platform_software
  • https://medium.com/theymakedesign/what-is-cross-platform-development-241ee94f25dc
  • https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0164121221000820