compatibles

Compatibles is a term used to describe hardware, software, or peripherals that are engineered to work with a particular system, standard, or platform. In product specifications and catalogs, compatibility is a key attribute signaling interoperability and minimal need for adaptation.

In computing, the phrase has historical significance. IBM PC compatibles were machines designed to replicate the IBM PC architecture, allowing software and peripherals written for the original IBM system to run on many different brands. The market for compatibles helped establish a broad ecosystem of operating systems, drivers, and devices using a common x86 platform.

Types of compatibility include hardware compatibility (ensuring interfaces, chipsets, and drivers match a system), software compatibility (APIs, file formats, and runtime environments), and data compatibility (consistent encoding and interpretation across systems). Backward compatibility aims to support older software or devices on newer hardware, while forward compatibility seeks to accommodate future updates.

Ensuring compatibility involves standards compliance, testing, and often emulation or virtualization to bridge gaps when direct compatibility is not feasible. Challenges include fragmentation, driver availability, and evolving specifications. Product teams use compatibility matrices and certification programs to communicate supported configurations.

Related concepts include interoperability, backward and forward compatibility, and compatibility modes in operating systems. In consumer electronics and software marketing, labeling such as “USB-compatible” or “Windows-compatible” helps users assess whether a product will interoperate with their existing setup.