noun
forward compatibility; upward compatibility
Technical term used in computing and standards. Refers to the ability of a system or format to accept input designed for a later version. Often contrasted with 後方互換性 (backward compatibility).
このソフトウェアは前方互換性があるので、将来のバージョンのファイルも開けます。
This software has forward compatibility, so it can open files from future versions as well.
Compound of 前方 (forward) + 互換性 (compatibility). A calque from English 'forward compatibility'.