Cross-platform development refers to the process of creating software applications that can run on multiple operating systems or platforms with minimal modification. This approach allows developers to write code once and deploy it across different environments, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, without the need for platform-specific versions. Cross-platform development is especially popular in mobile app development, where it allows developers to reach a broader audience by supporting multiple mobile operating systems with a single codebase.

There are several frameworks and tools available for cross-platform development, including React Native, Xamarin, Flutter, and Unity. These frameworks provide the necessary abstractions and libraries to handle differences between platforms, enabling developers to focus on building features rather than managing platform-specific quirks. While cross-platform development offers significant time and cost savings, it may also come with trade-offs in terms of performance and access to platform-specific features. However, advancements in technology have made cross-platform solutions increasingly viable, especially for startups and businesses looking to maximize their reach while minimizing development costs.