Platform Independence Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is platform independence in networking and computing?
Platform independence means that a program or application can run on any operating system or hardware environment without modification. It is not tied to a specific platform like Windows or Linux.
Why is platform independence important?
It ensures flexibility, compatibility, and a wider reach of applications, reducing the need to develop separate versions for different platforms.
What is an example of a platform-independent programming language?
Java is a platform-independent language because its code is compiled into bytecode that runs on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), which exists for many platforms.
How do virtual machines support platform independence?
Virtual machines like the JVM or .NET CLR provide a consistent runtime environment across different platforms, allowing the same compiled code to run anywhere the VM is installed.
What role do web applications play in platform independence?
Web applications are inherently platform-independent because they run in web browsers, which are available on all major operating systems and devices.
What is cross-platform development?
Cross-platform development involves creating applications that work across multiple platforms using a single codebase, using tools like Flutter, React Native, or Electron.
What is the benefit of using platform-independent tools in network applications?
It enables administrators and users to access network tools from any system, improving availability and reducing dependency on specific OS environments.
Can platform independence reduce software development costs?
Yes, because it allows developers to maintain one codebase for multiple platforms, reducing time and resources spent on maintaining separate versions.
What are the challenges of platform independence?
Challenges include ensuring consistent performance across platforms, handling platform-specific hardware interactions, and testing for compatibility.
