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A computer platform is a system, including the necessary hardware and operating system, that provides the environment for software to run. It's the foundation on which applications are built and executed, and it can also refer to the hardware architecture or a specific virtual environment. Key components of a hardware platform include a central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage.

Core components and concepts

Hardware + Operating System: A platform requires both physical hardware and an operating system to function as a usable system for running programs.

Hardware: This includes the physical components like the CPU, memory (RAM), storage (like ROM or hard drives), and other devices connected via buses.

Operating System (OS): This acts as the intermediary between the computer hardware and the applications, managing resources and providing services. Examples include Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Software compatibility: Software is developed to be compatible with a specific platform, meaning an application designed for the Windows platform will run on a Windows PC, but not directly on a Mac or a video game console.