![]() | This article possibly contains original research. (February 2023) |
In computing, native software or data-formats are those that were designed to run on a particular operating system. In a more technical sense, native code is code written specifically for a certain processor.[1] In contrast, cross-platform software can be run on multiple operating systems and/or computer architectures.
For example, a Game Boy receives its software through a cartridge, which contains code that runs natively on the Game Boy.[2] The only way to run this code on another processor is to use an emulator, which simulates an actual Game Boy.[3] This usually comes at the cost of speed.[4]