Backward compatibility

In technology, especially computing, a product is said to be backward compatible when it is able to take the place of an older product, by interoperating with other products that were designed for the older product.

Related Topics:
Technology - Computing

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Levels of compatibility vary. In software, binary compatibility and source-compatibility are distinguishable. Binary compatibility means that programs can work correctly with the new version of this library without requiring recompilation. Source compatibility requires recompilation but no changes to the source code.

Related Topics:
Source-compatibility - Recompilation

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Many platforms rely on emulation, the simulation of an older platform in software, to achieve backward compatibility.

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