binarycompatible

Binarycompatible describes a property where compiled binaries can run on a host system or with other libraries without recompilation, assuming compatibility at the binary interface level. The term centers on the Application Binary Interface (ABI), which defines calling conventions, data type sizes and layouts, alignment, name mangling, object file formats, and dynamic linking behavior. Binary compatibility is distinct from source or API compatibility, which concern whether source code or higher-level interfaces remain usable.

Achieving binary compatibility depends on the CPU architecture and operating system. ABIs must be preserved across library updates and system changes; otherwise, a program may fail at runtime or exhibit subtle errors. In practice, maintaining ABI stability reduces the need to recompile dependent software when upgrading libraries or system components. However, even minor changes in a library’s ABI—such as altered data structure layouts, symbol versions, or binary interfaces—can break binary compatibility and require recompilation of dependent binaries.

Common contexts include Linux distributions managing shared libraries, where SONAMEs and symbol versioning help preserve ABI compatibility across package upgrades; Windows, where certain system DLL interfaces are kept stable within a major version to maintain binary compatibility with applications; and kernel development, where kernel module interfaces impose strict ABI requirements. Cross-architecture binary compatibility is typically limited without emulation or translation, since different instruction sets and ABIs prevent direct execution of foreign binaries.

Ultimately, binary compatibility aims to enable interchangeable binaries and smoother software maintenance, especially for libraries and system components, while requiring careful versioning and compatibility policies to avoid runtime failures. See also ABI, API, compatibility.