Question

A program's ability to run on several different types of computer systems is called _____________.

Short answer

Answer: The term for a program's ability to run on different types of computer systems is "Platform Independence" or "cross-platform compatibility." Some advantages of platform independence include an increased user base, easier software maintenance, and reduced development costs.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

The term the student needs to provide refers to a concept in programming that allows software to be developed on one platform and then executed on various platforms with little or no modification. This concept is important for ensuring that programs can be easily distributed and used by a wide range of users.

Definition of the Term

The term for a program's ability to run on different types of computer systems is called "Platform Independence" or "cross-platform compatibility."

Detailing Platform Independence

Platform independence is achieved when software developers write code that is compatible with different operating systems and hardware configurations. To do this, developers often use cross-platform programming languages, tools, and frameworks that help ensure their programs will operate correctly across various systems without any changes required in the code.

Advantages of Platform Independence

There are several advantages to having platform-independent software, including: 1. Increased user base: Since the software can run on multiple systems, it becomes accessible to a broader range of users, which can result in a greater potential for success and revenue. 2. Easier software maintenance: Developers can focus on maintaining a single codebase rather than managing separate versions of the code for each platform, simplifying the development and maintenance process. 3. Reduced development costs: By eliminating the need to write specific versions of the software for each platform, development costs can be significantly reduced. In conclusion, the term for a program's ability to run on several different types of computer systems is platform independence or cross-platform compatibility, and it offers numerous advantages, such as an increased user base, easier maintenance, and reduced development costs.