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In computing, a computer that can run the same binary code intended to be run on another computer is said to be binary-compatible. This differs from source code compatibility, where recompilation may be necessary.

Binary-compatibility is a major benefit when developing computer programs that are to be run on multiple operating systems. Several Unix-based operating systems, such as FreeBSD or NetBSD, offer binary compatibility with more popular operating systems, such as Linux-derived ones, since most binary executables are not commonly distributed for such operating systems. The same applies to Microsoft Windows; binaries that are compiled for Windows 2000 can also be run on Windows XP and Windows Vista.

[edit] Binary Compatible Operating System

Binary compatible operating systems have been thought of since the early days of Windows. FreeWin95 is still alive, reborn in ReactOS . When Apple Inc. found the Power PC architecture no longer as useful as they once did, they created Darwin OS as a long term transition. Darwin has the same source as OS X but does not have a proper window manager, although there has been successful results with Linux Window Managers (see Darwin OS page and Gnome picture) and there is and open source x11 9wm and XFree86.

Running programs designed for a retail OS on a free OS has its pitfalls and joys, but with community much is possible without it nothing is possible. (see Open Source )

[edit] See also

• Backward compatibility
• Application binary interface

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