Cross-platform development refers to the approach of creating applications that can run on multiple operating systems and environments without the need for multiple codebases. This practice is increasingly popular due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Developers can build applications for both mobile and desktop environments from a single codebase, utilizing frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, and Xamarin. Cross-platform development not only speeds up the development cycle but also helps in reaching a larger audience by deploying the same solution across different devices.