Compatibility

Compatibility may refer to:

Computing

• Backward compatibility, in which newer systems can understand data generated by older ones
• 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
  • IBM PC compatible, computers that are generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, or AT
• Forward compatibility, in which older systems can understand data generated by newer ones
• Hardware compatibility, between different pieces of computer hardware
• License compatibility, of software licenses
• Pin compatibility, in devices that have the same functions assigned to the same particular pins
• Software compatibility, between different pieces of software
  • Software incompatibility
• Unicode compatibility characters, characters encoded solely to maintain round-trip convertibility with other standards

Science and mathematics

• Biocompatibility, a description of materials' ability to remain performant in biological tissues
• Blood compatibility, determines what type of donor blood to use in blood transfusions
• Compatibility, a property of splits in phylogenetic trees
• 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
• Histocompatibility, the degree of similarity of cell surface proteins between individuals
• Genetic compatibility, how well the genes of parents function together in their offspring
• Consistency, logical compatibility between two or more propositions
• Compatible relation, a binary relation that commutes with each operation of an algebraic structure

Other uses

• 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