Application platforms are software frameworks that allow developers to build, deploy, and manage applications efficiently. They provide essential tools, libraries, and services that streamline the development process, enabling faster creation of software solutions. Examples of application platforms include Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services. These platforms often support various programming languages and offer features like database management, user authentication, and scalability. By using an application platform, developers can focus on writing code and innovating, rather than worrying about the underlying infrastructure and maintenance, which is handled by the platform itself.