forward compatibility
nounUK /ˌfɔːwəd kəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/ · US /ˌfɔɹwəɹd kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti/
Etymology From forward (adjective) + compatibility (noun).
1
Computer hardware, Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences, Software The capability of an electronic device, a piece of software, etc., to interoperate with anticipated future systems.
- Forward compatibility of a mobile application describes an application that is developed in such a way that it fits with planned future versions of the same application. Forward compatibility generally implies that a dependent mobile system such as a mobile application designed for a particular OS [operating system] will function satisfactorily in the future version as well as in the present one.2021, Mohamed Sarrab, Hafedh Al-Shihi, Naveen Safia, “Compatibility: How Does Mobile Application Interact with Environments?”, in Handbook of Mobile Application Development: A Guide to Selecting the Right Engineering and Quality Features, Singapore: Bentham Science Publishers, →ISBN, page 86:
- Related terms
- backward compatibility, backwards compatibility, backward compatible, backward incompatibility, backward incompatible, forward compatible, forwards compatible, upward compatibility, upward compatible, extensibility, future-proofing