Platforms

Platforms are structures that elevate a person or object above the surrounding level. In computing, a platform refers to the environment in which a piece of software is executed.

Types of Platforms

There are several types of platforms, including:

• Physical platforms: These are tangible structures, such as a stage for performances or a platform at a train station.
• Computing platforms: These include operating systems like Microsoft Windows or Linux, and hardware platforms like IBM's mainframes or Apple's Macintosh computers.
• Software platforms: These are sets of subsystems and technologies that provide a foundation for software applications to run. Examples include Java and .NET Framework.
• Web platforms: These are websites or services that host user-generated content or user-created applications. Examples include Facebook, Twitter, and Google.

Computing Platforms

A computing platform is an environment in which a piece of software is executed. It may be the hardware or the operating system (OS), even a web browser or other underlying software, as long as the program code is executed in it. The platform imposes constraints on the software, including the instruction set and input/output devices available.

Hardware Platforms

A hardware platform includes a specific model of processor and other hardware components. It can also refer to a type of machine, such as a mainframe computer or a desktop computer.

Software Platforms

A software platform is a framework or environment that allows software to run. Examples include the Java platform, which allows Java software to run on various types of hardware, and the Windows platform, which allows software written for Windows to run.

Web Platforms

A web platform is a system that allows users to create, share, and access content over the internet. These platforms often use web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and can include social media sites, blogging platforms, and e-commerce sites.

See Also

• Platform technology
• Platform as a Service
• Platform economy