system-dependent code

noun

UK /ˈsɪstəm dɪˈpɛndənt kəʊd/

US /ˈsɪstəm dɪˈpɛndənt koʊd/

Code that only works on one kind of computer or setup.

The game failed to run on my laptop because it uses system-dependent code.

SYNONYMS

platform-specific code machine-specific code non-portable code hardware-dependent code

RELATED WORDS

portability platform compatibility operating system compiler

OTHER MEANINGS

2. Software instructions that rely on features of a particular operating system.

The installer contains system-dependent code for Windows only.

3. Program parts that assume a certain hardware configuration.

That driver has system-dependent code tied to the graphics card.

4. Code that must be rewritten when moved to a different environment.

Moving the app to Linux required replacing all the system-dependent code.