compatibility layer

noun

UK /kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti ˈleɪə/

US /kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti ˈleɪər/

A helper that lets a program or device work with something it was not made for.

The game runs on the new console thanks to a compatibility layer.

SYNONYMS

translation layer shim wrapper adapter bridge

RELATED WORDS

emulator API middleware abstraction software

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A piece of software that translates commands between two different systems.

The compatibility layer converts old file formats into the new ones.

3. A set of rules or code that lets older apps run on a newer operating system.

Windows includes a compatibility layer for legacy applications.

4. A middle step that hides differences between two technologies so they can talk to each other.

Developers built a compatibility layer so the library works on both platforms.