Translation guide
Describes a system, format, or design that will work with future versions or updates. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed using borrowed English terms or descriptive phrases.
This software is forward compatible.
Loanword from English, commonly used in IT and business. Often shortened to フォワードコンパチ.
This API is forward compatible.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'compatible with future versions'. Easier to understand for non-technical audiences.
This file format is forward compatible.
Literally 'upward compatibility', sometimes used interchangeably with forward compatibility, but can imply compatibility with higher-end or newer versions. Use with caution as it may not always be a perfect match.
May be confused with backward compatibility. Ensure context clarifies direction.
This hardware is forward compatible.
Forward compatibility (前方互換性) means a system can handle future versions. Backward compatibility (後方互換性) means it can handle older versions. Do not confuse the two.
This console is backward compatible, so old games work too.