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

Interface compatibility

German: Schnittstellenkompatibilität

In software and systems engineering, interface compatibility is the property that two components can interact correctly through an interface, because they agree on its operations, data structures, encodings, semantics, timing and version, so that one side can be changed or replaced without breaking the other.

  • Software engineering

In one sentence

Interface compatibility means two components agree on an interface's operations, data, semantics and version, so they interact correctly.

Example

The new HMI version stays interface compatible with the existing PLC program because it reads the same data blocks and tolerates the older interface version.

How it applies

  • Engineering: Compatibility can break in obvious ways, such as a removed field, or subtle ones, such as a changed unit, a new error code or different timing. Interface tests and contract tests detect many of these before release.
  • Maintenance: For machines in the field, replacement parts and software updates must stay compatible with existing components. Compatibility matrices show which versions can be combined.
  • Documentation: Release notes should state whether an interface change is compatible and in which direction. Keep compatibility matrices up to date and easy to find; service staff rely on them when replacing devices or updating software.

Interface compatibility vs. version compatibility

Version compatibility is the broader concept of how versions of components, data models or protocols work together. Interface compatibility focuses on one interface. Backward compatibility and Forward compatibility describe the direction: whether new components work with old partners, or old with new.

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

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on software and systems engineering 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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