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David Faure
15 August 2024
Creating applications for cross-platform compatibility is a modern best practice. It increases deployment flexibility and allows applications to reach a wider audience. However, doing it properly can involve some trial and error. At KDAB, we’ve built many multiplatform desktop applications. Here, we’ve compiled a few insights from that process to help you build better software.
If you’re not yet sold on building multiplatform applications, here are three straightforward reasons why it makes sense for both you and your users.
Setting up the CI build system to only build for the platform you’re actively developing and testing on might seem to save time. However, we recommend that your CI system always builds all platforms. This approach ensures that changes work across all operating systems, preventing developers on other platforms from having to fix your bugs, which is inefficient and error prone.
Many companies provide Windows and Mac variants of their applications but leave Linux out of the picture. We suggest including Linux for several reasons.
First, if you’re using tools that target both Windows and Mac, adding Linux isn’t too big of a stretch. Even if your main user base doesn’t include many Linux users, you’ve certainly got Linux lovers among your developers. Developers on your team will appreciate the ability to use your application on their favorite platform. Most importantly, the Linux ecosystem is rich with open-source tools for debugging, profiling, and optimizing applications, which can significantly enhance developer productivity and code robustness. Building on all three main platforms ensures you have the widest array of tools to find issues and improve your software.
What tools make sense for creating the best multiplatform environment? Here are a few to consider:
The primary benefit of multiplatform is the flexibility it provides. This flexibility doesn’t just let users choose their platform of choice. It also allows developers to access tools from across the development spectrum and run in environments where they’re most efficient. If this sounds interesting, check out our desktop best practice guide.
About KDAB
The KDAB Group is a globally recognized provider for software consulting, development and training, specializing in embedded devices and complex cross-platform desktop applications. In addition to being leading experts in Qt, C++ and 3D technologies for over two decades, KDAB provides deep expertise across the stack, including Linux, Rust and modern UI frameworks. With 100+ employees from 20 countries and offices in Sweden, Germany, USA, France and UK, we serve clients around the world.
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