Backward Compatibility
The ability of a newer system version to keep working with older clients data or behavior.
Plain English
The update still works for people using the old contract.
In context
Backward compatibility lets systems evolve without forcing every consumer to migrate immediately.
Example
“We need backward compatibility while mobile clients adopt the new API.”
When you'll hear this
- API design
- migration
- release planning
Common misunderstanding
Backward compatibility does not guarantee support for every obsolete version forever.
Also known as
backwards compatibility
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-25
