What design decisions boost application portability?

1 Choose a portable programming language

One of the first decisions that affects portability is the choice of programming language. Some languages are more portable than others, depending on how they are compiled, interpreted, or executed. For example, languages that run on a virtual machine, such as Java or C#, are more portable than languages that are compiled to native code, such as C or C++. However, even within the same language, there may be differences in syntax, features, or libraries across different versions or implementations. Therefore, it is important to choose a language that is widely supported, standardized, and compatible with the target platforms or environments.

2 Adopt a modular and layered architecture

Another decision that influences portability is the architecture of the application. A modular and layered architecture can enhance portability by separating the application into independent and cohesive components that communicate through well-defined interfaces. This way, each component can be developed, tested, and deployed separately, and can be easily replaced or adapted to different platforms or environments. For example, a web application can use a three-tier architecture, where the presentation, business, and data layers are decoupled and interact through protocols or APIs. This allows the application to run on different browsers, servers, or databases without affecting the core functionality.

3 Use standard and open formats and protocols

A third decision that impacts portability is the use of formats and protocols for data exchange and communication. Using standard and open formats and protocols can improve portability by ensuring interoperability and compatibility across different platforms or environments. For example, using XML or JSON for data representation, HTTP or HTTPS for web communication, or TCP/IP for network communication can enable the application to communicate with different systems or devices without requiring proprietary or platform-specific solutions. However, using standard and open formats and protocols may also introduce some limitations or overheads, such as performance, security, or compliance issues.

6 Consider the trade-offs and costs of portability

A final decision that impacts portability is the consideration of the trade-offs and costs of portability. Portability is not a binary or absolute concept, but a relative and subjective one. It depends on the goals, needs, and preferences of the developers and users, as well as on the constraints and opportunities of the platforms or environments. Achieving portability may involve making trade-offs and compromises, such as sacrificing performance, functionality, or usability for compatibility, flexibility, or user experience. It may also involve additional costs, such as development, maintenance, or deployment costs. Therefore, it is important to weigh the benefits and challenges of portability and to balance them with other design objectives and criteria.