Compatibility

{{Broad-concept article}}{{wiktionary|compatibility|compatible|incompatibility|incompatible}}

'''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