forward compatibility


Also found in: Wikipedia.

forward compatibility

[¦fȯr·wərd kəm‚pad·ə′bil·əd·ē]
(computer science)
upward compatibility

forward compatibility

(jargon)
The ability to accept input from later versions of itself.

Forward compatibility is harder to achieve than backward compatibility, since, in the backward case, the input format is know whereas a forward compatible system needs to cope gracefully with unknown future features. An example of future compatibility is the stipulation that a web browser should ignore HTML tags it does not recognise.

See also extensible.
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
It will also ensure forward compatibility to future 3GPP 5G NR releases.
United States : Qualcomm and Nokia to Collaborate on Driving Wide-Scale Mobile 5G NR Deployments to Meet Growing Market Demand
It will also drive forward compatibility to future 3GPP 5G NR releases.
Qualcomm, Ericsson, SK Telecom work to accelerate wide-scale 5G deployments
II improvements is its 100% backward and forward compatibility across all of Pinnacle's ozone system platforms.
Pinnacle Ozone Releases the World's Most Energy Efficient Ozone Generator Technology
Forward compatibility to next-generation 28-nm process ensures scalability and preserves customer investments, eliminating the need to redesign the board when moving to the next node.
Quad 10GBASE-T PHY is presented as industry's smallest
The new switch can provide investment protection with backward and forward compatibility.
Cisco Expands Borderless Networks Portfolio With New Products Across Switching, Routing, Security and Mobility
Forward compatibility is the ability of the system to accept input for planned later versions of itself.
Surgical brainstorm
The author also explains how the forward compatibility mode of Python 2.
Python essential reference, 4th ed
Featuring a modular design and proven, high-performance connectivity standards such as Camera LinkTM, FireWire[R], and Ethernet, Manta ensures forward compatibility to maximize a food processor's long-term return on investment.
Key Technology introduces Manta[R] Ray
Featuring a modular design and proven, high-performance connectivity standards such as Camera Link[TM], FireWire[R], and Ethernet, Optyx WPS ensures forward compatibility to maximize a food processor's long-term return on investment.
Key Technology introduces whole potato sorting system
The system uses TDVision's patented 2D+Delta TDVCodec technology to compress the video streams at full resolution while maintaining backward compatibility with all existing 2D displays in 2D HD, as well as forward compatibility with all existing and future 3D-ready displays and methods.
TDVISION SELECTS MAGNUM FOR ENCORDER FOR BLU-RAY APPS
Backward compatibility is not usually a problem; however, forward compatibility is difficult for users who do not purchase new versions of software.
Electronic document distribution saves time
G6 assures forward compatibility to keep systems up to date and performing at peak levels.
Key Technology

Encyclopedia browser ?
Full browser ?