Plattformunabhängigkeit

Plattformunabhängigkeit, often translated as platform independence or cross-platform compatibility, refers to the characteristic of a software application, system, or technology that allows it to function across multiple computing platforms. These platforms can include different operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile operating systems like Android and iOS. It can also refer to different hardware architectures or even different versions of the same operating system.

The goal of platform independence is to broaden the reach and usability of a product, reducing the need for developers to create separate versions for each target platform. This can lead to cost savings in development and maintenance, as well as a larger potential user base. Technologies like Java, with its "write once, run anywhere" philosophy, are prime examples of attempts to achieve strong platform independence. Web applications, accessed through a browser, are inherently platform-independent as the browser itself acts as an abstraction layer.

Achieving true platform independence can be challenging due to underlying differences in hardware, operating system APIs, and user interface conventions. Developers often employ strategies such as using standardized programming languages and frameworks, abstracting away platform-specific details, or utilizing virtual machines and containerization technologies to ensure their software can operate seamlessly across diverse environments.