Application development platforms, explained
Some platforms focus on professional developers. Others use visual tools or plain-language requests so business users can take a larger role.
An application development platform is a collection of tools and services used to build, deploy, run, connect, and manage software through its working life.
The platform covers more than the build
Creating an application requires a place to design and test it. Running that application also requires a runtime, data storage, connections, monitoring, and security controls.
An application development platform brings some or all of those parts into one working environment. The exact mix differs. A platform might support web or mobile applications, cloud deployment, visual development, or traditional code.
The right comparison follows the application lifecycle
A short demo can show how quickly someone creates the first screen. It may not show how the platform handles a failed connection, a growing set of records, or a change in permissions.
Compare the full path from creation to ongoing use. Ask who can change the application, how the team sees errors, and what happens during an update. Also check how code and data can move if the business later chooses another environment.
Application platform terms
- Development environment
- The tools and workspace used to create and test an application.
- Runtime
- The environment where an application operates after it is deployed.
- Integration
- A connection that lets an application exchange information with another system.
What to compare
Build tools
Check how the platform supports the people who will create and change the application.
Running the application
Understand who manages hosting, scaling, monitoring, and software updates.
Moving later
Confirm how code, data, and integrations can leave the platform if needs change.
Questions about application development platforms
It can include build tools, a runtime, data services, integrations, monitoring, and security controls. Each product chooses a different set.
No. Some serve professional developers, while low-code and no-code platforms also support business users with visual tools and prebuilt parts.
Compare the whole application lifecycle, including building, access, hosting, monitoring, updates, support, and the ability to move code and data.
Related glossary terms
Choose a platform around the full application
Caffeine apps run on the Internet Computer, a public network built for this.