Compatibility

Look up compatibility, compatible, or incompatible in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Compatibility may refer to:

Computing

• Backward compatibility, in which newer devices can understand data generated by older devices
• Compatibility card, an expansion card for hardware emulation of another device
• Compatibility layer, components that allow for non-native support of components
  • Compatibility mode, software mechanism in which a software emulates an older version of software
• Computer compatibility, of a line of machines
• Forward compatibility, in which older devices can understand data generated by newer devices
• License compatibility, of software licenses
• Pin-compatibility, in devices that have the same functions assigned to the same particular pins
• IBM PC compatible, computers that are generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT
• Software incompatibility, a characteristic of software components or systems which cannot operate satisfactorily together

Science

• Compatibility (biological), a property which is assigned to splits of a given set of taxa.
• Compatibility (chemical), how stable a substance is when mixed with another substance
• Compatibility (geochemistry), how readily a particular trace element substitutes for a major element within a mineral
• Compatibility (mechanics), the study of compatible deformations in continuum mechanics
• Electromagnetic compatibility, which studies the unintentional generation, propagation, and reception of electromagnetic energy

Miscellaneous

• Astrological compatibility, a branch of astrology that studies relationships by comparing natal horoscopes
• Compatibilism, a philosophical position
• Interpersonal compatibility, the long-term interaction between two or more individuals in terms of the ease and comfort of communication