The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for generating and using platform-independent code. A computer-implemented method includes: identifying a user interface library that includes abstractions of user interface elements, each abstraction being platform-independent and associated with platform-specific code including user interface code unique to different platforms; receiving application code at design time that includes an abstraction of a user interface element; and storing the application code for use on a client device. At subsequent execution time, the application code is configured to: determine platform-specific information of the client device; execute platform-specific lines of code appropriate for the client device; and present the user interface element in a user interface of the client device in a way that is appropriate for the client device.