What is meant by software portability?

Software portability refers to the capability of a software application to be transferred and operate effectively from one environment to another. This encompasses various aspects, including different hardware architectures, operating systems, and other operating environments. A portable application can be moved and run in diverse setups with minimal modification, retaining its functionality and performance.

For instance, if a piece of software developed for Windows can be easily adapted to run on macOS or a Linux environment without significant rewrites, it is considered portable. This attribute is crucial in today's technology landscape where users often operate across multiple platforms and environments. Portability enhances the software’s usability and broadens its potential user base.

Other options focus on different aspects. Modifying software features emphasizes customization rather than its transferability; integration with other applications looks into interoperability but doesn’t address the core idea of moving software between environments. Reliability across operating systems pertains to consistency in performance rather than the ability to shift jurisdictions. Therefore, the essence of portability lies in its adaptability and transferability between varied operational contexts.