Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
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Glossary · Automation software engineering and architecture

Binary compatibility

Also known as: ABI compatibility

German: Binärkompatibilität

In software engineering, binary compatibility is the property that compiled software built against one version of a library, runtime or operating system continues to work with another version without recompilation, because the application binary interface (ABI) has not changed incompatibly.

  • Software engineering

In one sentence

Binary compatibility means compiled software keeps working with a new library or runtime version without being recompiled.

Example

A controller firmware update is declared binary compatible, so function libraries compiled with the previous toolchain can be loaded unchanged.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Binary compatibility depends on data layout, calling conventions, symbol names and exported functions. Adding a field to a structure or changing a compiler option can break it even when the source code looks compatible.
  • Maintenance: For installed machines, binary compatibility decides whether a runtime or firmware update can be applied in the field or whether every dependent library must be rebuilt and retested.
  • Documentation: Release notes should say explicitly whether a release is binary compatible with earlier versions and which toolchains are supported. Service documentation should list which component versions may be combined.

Binary vs. source compatibility

Source compatibility means code still compiles against the new version; binary compatibility means existing binaries still run. A library can be source compatible but not binary compatible, which is why the two must be stated separately. See also Backward compatibility and Forward compatibility.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on software engineering and release management practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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