What platform is WhatsApp written on - briefly?
WhatsApp is primarily developed using the React Native framework, which allows it to run on both iOS and Android platforms seamlessly.
What platform is WhatsApp written on - in detail?
WhatsApp, one of the world's most popular messaging platforms, is primarily developed using a combination of modern programming languages and frameworks. The core backend of WhatsApp is built using Erlang, a general-purpose programming language known for its ability to handle concurrent processes efficiently. This choice is particularly advantageous for a service like WhatsApp that needs to manage an enormous number of messages and users simultaneously.
For the frontend development, WhatsApp uses React Native, a popular framework developed by Facebook (the same company that owns WhatsApp). React Native allows developers to create mobile applications using JavaScript and React, which can run on both iOS and Android platforms without the need for separate codebases. This cross-platform capability significantly reduces development time and resources.
In addition to these primary technologies, WhatsApp also leverages other tools and services to enhance its functionality and user experience. For instance, it utilizes XMPP (Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol) for sending messages between users. The app's infrastructure is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), which provides the necessary scalability and reliability to support WhatsApp's global user base.
Overall, the combination of Erlang for backend processing, React Native for frontend development, and AWS for hosting ensures that WhatsApp operates smoothly and efficiently, delivering a seamless messaging experience to its users worldwide.