device-dependent coding

noun
UK /dɪˈvaɪs dɪˈpɛndənt ˈkəʊdɪŋ/
US /dɪˈvaɪs dɪˈpɛndənt ˈkoʊdɪŋ/

Writing computer instructions that only work on one kind of machine or gadget.

The game used device-dependent coding, so it only ran on that one phone model.

SYNONYMS

platform-specific codinghardware-specific programmingmachine-dependent codenon-portable coding

RELATED WORDS

portabilitycross-platformfirmwarecompatibility

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Software written to rely on features of a particular processor or operating system.

The old driver relied on device-dependent coding tied to the graphics card.

3. A style of programming where changing the hardware requires rewriting the code.

Because of device-dependent coding, moving to new servers meant a full rewrite.

4. Code that uses unique instructions available only on a specific device.

The embedded system used device-dependent coding to access its special sensors.