UNIT 1.1 - Introduction to Platform Technology.pdf

M C S 3 0 1 - C O N C E P T O F O P E R A T I N G S Y S T E M P R E S E N T E D B Y : J E F F R E Y C E R V A N T E S  What is Platform Technology? Platform Layer Application Layer Integration of Platform and Application Layer Conclusion  Platform Techn...

M C S 3 0 1 - C O N C E P T O F O P E R A T I N G S Y S T E M P R E S E N T E D B Y : J E F F R E Y C E R V A N T E S  What is Platform Technology? Platform Layer Application Layer Integration of Platform and Application Layer Conclusion  Platform Technology: A platform is an underlying foundation or framework that allows various applications, services, or tools to be built, deployed, and operated. It provides the essential infrastructure and common services needed to support the creation and operation of software applications. Importance: Platforms streamline development by offering reusable components, standard interfaces, and a controlled environment. They also facilitate interoperability, scalability, and maintenance, reducing development time and costs. Types of Platforms Operating System Platforms: These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. They provide the basic software environment for running applications. Application Platforms: These are designed to support the deployment, execution, and management of software applications. They provide the environment where applications run, along with services that enable them to function effectively, such as data storage, networking, security, and scalability. Development Platforms: Tools and frameworks that help developers build applications, such as Node.js, Django, and Ruby on Rails. Evolution of Platform Technologies Historical Perspective: From early mainframes and minicomputers to personal computers and mobile devices. Modern Trends: Rise of cloud computing, containerization, microservices architecture, and serverless computing.  Platform Layer: This is the foundational layer that provides core functionalities required to run applications. It includes the operating system, hardware abstraction, and essential system services. Role: It manages hardware resources, provides a stable environment for applications, and ensures system reliability and performance. Components of the Platform Layer Operating System: Manages hardware resources, system processes, and provides essential services like file management, process scheduling, and memory management. Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL): Provides a consistent interface for software applications to interact with hardware, enabling portability across different hardware configurations. System Services: Includes essential services such as networking, security, and input/output operations. Platform Layer Examples Windows: Provides APIs for file management, networking, and device interaction. Linux: Offers a modular kernel, a rich set of system libraries, and utilities. Android: Utilizes a modified Linux kernel with a Java-based API for app development. Key Characteristics Interoperability: The platform layer allows different hardware and software components to work together smoothly. It ensures that applications can run on various devices and systems without any issues. Scalability: The platform layer can handle growing demands. Whether you need more storage, processing power, or users, it can scale up (or down) to meet the needs of your applications. Security: The platform layer protects your data and ensures that the system operates safely. It includes features like user authentication, encryption, and firewalls to prevent unauthorized access and keep everything secure.  Application Layer: This layer sits on top of the platform layer and is responsible for providing end-user applications and services. It includes everything that interacts directly with users. Role: It delivers specific functionalities and services to end-users, leveraging the platform layer's capabilities. Components of the Application Layer Applications: Software programs designed to perform specific tasks, such as word processors, web browsers, and mobile apps. Frameworks and Libraries: Provide reusable code and abstractions to simplify application development. Examples include AngularJS, React, and Spring. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces): Interfaces that allow applications to interact with each other and with lower-level platform services. Examples include RESTful APIs and GraphQL. Application Layer Examples Web Applications: Services accessed via web browsers, such as Gmail and Facebook. Mobile Applications: Apps designed for mobile devices, like Instagram and WhatsApp. Enterprise Applications: Software used in business environments, such as CRM systems and ERP systems. Key Characteristics User Experience: Focuses on delivering a seamless and intuitive experience to users. Functionality: Provides specific features and services as per user needs. Integration: Ability to interact with other applications and services through APIs and data exchange mechanisms. How They Work Together Platform Layer: Provides the necessary infrastructure and services that support application execution. Application Layer: Utilizes the platform’s capabilities to deliver specific functionalities to users. Examples of Integration Cloud Platforms: Platforms like AWS or Azure offer infrastructure (Platform Layer) and tools/services (Application Layer) for building and deploying applications. Mobile Platforms: Android and iOS provide OS-level services (Platform Layer) while supporting diverse mobile applications (Application Layer). Challenges and Considerations Compatibility: Ensuring that applications work consistently across different platform layers. Performance: Optimizing application performance while leveraging platform resources effectively. Security: Addressing security concerns at both the platform and application levels. Summary The Platform Layer provides the essential infrastructure and services needed to run applications, while the Application Layer delivers specific functionalities and user interactions. Understanding the interplay between these layers is crucial for developing robust, scalable, and efficient software systems.