Buzz
The term 'Platform' is extensively used in today's era of information technology, especially in the programming community. However, not everyone comprehends its full significance. Dive into this article to uncover the true meaning of a platform.
Decoding the Meaning of Platform
A Platform, also known as a foundation, is the environment in which software is executed. It could be hardware, an operating system, a web browser, or any related application programming interface, as long as the program code is executed within it.
A platform serves as both a constraint and a support in the software development process. Different platforms offer various functions and limitations. They also aid in development by providing some low-level functionalities. For instance, an operating system can be an abstract platform that standardizes hardware differences and offers a common command for file storage or network access.
Exploring Hardware Platforms
Hardware platforms may include:
The entire system
Take computing devices, for example, such as mainframes, workstations, desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. Each of these represents a hardware platform, as each platform has its unique form factor, operates independently of other systems, and can provide resources or services (e.g., running software/applications, connecting to devices/internet) for users.
Laptops, desktops, tablets, or smartphones are also platforms
Individual Components
For instance, the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer is considered a hardware platform. CPUs (e.g., Intel Core, ARM Cortex, AMD APU) have distinct architectures that define their operation, communication, and interaction with other components to form the entire system.
Interfaces
Interfaces, such as open expansion slots like ISA, PCI Express, or Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP), serve as platforms for developing various types of support/expansion cards. Interfaces also provide communication, support, and resources for attached expansion cards. Examples of expansion cards using such interfaces include: video graphics, audio, network adapters, USB ports, and more.
Software Platforms
In comparison to hardware platforms, software platforms have a broader scope but are more user-centric. This makes sense as we commonly interact with software/applications, although hardware (e.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor, touch screen) helps bridge the gap. Software platforms encompass categories such as:
System Software
System software controls computers by executing concurrent processes while managing/coordinating hardware resources along with application software. Prime examples of system software include operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS.
Operating systems function as platforms by providing a supportive environment for user interaction through interfaces (e.g., screen, mouse, keyboard, printer), communication with other systems (e.g., network, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), and application software.
Some widely used operating system platforms on smartphones
Application Software
Application software encompasses all programs designed to perform specific tasks on computers—most are not considered platforms. However, some types of application software also act as platforms. The key is whether the mentioned software plays a supportive role for something built upon it. Examples of application software acting as platforms include:
- Web browsers (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer) act as platforms for various software forms, such as plug-ins/extensions or third-party themes.
- Social networks, like Facebook, serve as platforms by supporting external applications, tools, and/or services interacting with its core features. This applies to both websites and mobile app versions.
- Games that support mods (through the game's editing tools) are also considered platforms. Mods use the game's existing engine as a platform to create maps, characters, objects, or even entirely user-designed independent games.
By now, do you grasp what a platform is and have an understanding of some types of platforms? I hope the shared information proves beneficial to you.
