PT101-Week5-6-APPLICATION-WEB-PLATFORMS

Platforms vs. Applications

• Key Differences:

  • Application: A software program meant to perform specific tasks independent of the operating system.

Application Software

• Definition: Software that performs specific user-oriented functions.

• Types of Application Software:

  1. Productivity Software: Programs used for document creation, data management, and communication.

  2. Collaborative Software: Tools that enable communication and information sharing among users.

  3. Specialized Software: Applications for specific professional tasks, such as design and medical software.

Productivity Software

• Purpose: Helps users accomplish tasks like writing, data management, and presentations.

• Types and Examples:

  • Word Processing: Microsoft Word, Google Docs.

  • Spreadsheet Software: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets.

  • Email Software: Microsoft Outlook, Gmail.

  • Basic Database Software: Microsoft Access, LibreOffice Base.

  • Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides.

  • Desktop Publishing: Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign.

Collaborative Software

• Function: Assists users in communication and cooperation; shares information across platforms.

• Examples:

  • Online Workspaces: Microsoft SharePoint, Google Docs.

  • Document Storage/Sharing: Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive.

  • Screen Sharing: Windows Remote Assistance, Cisco Webex.

  • Instant Messaging and Video Conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams.

Specialized Software

• Description: Tailored software for specific industries.

• Types and Examples:

  • CAD: AutoCAD.

  • Medical Software: MedClarity, Kareo.

  • Gaming Software: The Sims, World of Warcraft.

Enterprise Applications

• Definition: Large software systems for corporate environments.

• Three-Tier Architecture:

  1. Presentation Tier: User interface layer.

  2. Application Tier: Core business logic layer.

  3. Data Tier: Data handling and storage layer.

• Examples: ERP systems, CRM solutions, Accounting and Billing systems.

Modern Application Trends

• Characteristics: Flexibility and scalability, often developed via Agile methods.

• Cloud Computing: SaaS (Software as a Service) is the predominant delivery model.

Definition of a Platform

• Platform Definition: Base of hardware and software where applications operate, facilitating connections with other systems.

Applications as Platforms

• Insight: An application can function as a platform for performing tasks within organizations.

• Examples: RDBMS, Web Server Applications.

Types of Application Platforms

1. Microsoft Visual Studio: IDE for code editing and app building.

2. OutSystems: A no-code development platform integrating various languages.

3. AppSheet: No-code platform for citizen developers.

Web Platforms

• Definition: Technologies and standards defined for web development.

• Governed by organizations like W3C, designed for innovation and efficiency.

Web Application Architecture

• Components:

  1. Web Browser: Front-end user interaction.

  2. Web Server: Business logic processing and request handling.

  3. Database Server: Data management and storage.

Application Layer Technologies

• Key Technologies:

  • Front-End: HTML, CSS, JavaScript frameworks (React, Angular.js, Vue.js).

  • Back-End: Node.js, Java, Python, PHP (Laravel), .NET, Go, Ruby.

API Types

• RESTful API: Lightweight, fast.

• SOAP: XML-based, requires more resources.

• XML-RPC/JSON-RPC: Specific formats for data transmission.

Closing Information

• Conclusion: Modern applications are characterized by flexibility and efficiency with an emphasis on cloud computing and user-centered design.