Generally means that a subsequent version of a program or system will support all of the functionality and specific interfaces that enable programs developed for an earlier version to execute properly when the subsequent version is implemented.
Our website is designed to be compatible, or work well, with common web browsers and assistive technologies. The website is also backward compatible because it works well in older versions of these browsers and technologies as well.
The ability for a computer application to read files which were created in a previous version of the software. A computer is said to be backward compatible if it can run the same software as the previous model of the computer.
A software or hardware product that will work with earlier versions of that same hardware.
A new coding standard, or tape format is backward compatible with and existing coding standard if existing decoders (designed to operate with the existing coding standard) are able to continue to operate by decoding all or part of the bitstream produced according to the new standard. In the case of video tape machines, the new machine will play back recordings made on the older format machine. For example certain Digital8 Handycams have the capability of playback of older 8mm or Hi8 analogue cassettes.
The ability of older software to be run on newer machines; the ability to retrieve and edit data stored in older versions of software by using a newer version of the same program.
the ability of a current product to read tapes written on earlier drives and, if so specified, to write tapes in the same format
In technology, especially computing, a product is said to be backward compatible (or downward 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.
