What does the term 'cross-platform' refer to in programming?

The term 'cross-platform' in programming refers to the capability of software or applications to run on multiple operating systems without requiring significant modification. This concept is crucial in today’s diverse technology ecosystem, where users may operate different devices with various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Cross-platform solutions enable developers to write code once and deploy it across different platforms, increasing accessibility and usability for end-users. This approach not only saves time and resources during the development process but also broadens the user base for applications, which can lead to greater market reach and potentially higher revenue.

In contrast, options that suggest limited functionality—such as running exclusively on one operating system—do not align with the idea of cross-platform capabilities. Additionally, focusing solely on cloud services or internet-based applications lacks the fundamental aspect of compatibility across different operating systems that defines cross-platform programming.