Native (computing)

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]

  1. ^ "What is native code? - Definition from WhatIs.com". SearchAppArchitecture. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  2. ^ "Nintendo Game Boy - Game Console - Computing History". www.computinghistory.org.uk. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  3. ^ Pot, Justin. "Why Are Video Game Emulators So Important? (Because They Preserve Our History)". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  4. ^ "How Does Emulation Work and Why Is It So Slow?". MakeUseOf. Retrieved 2019-11-22.