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In [[computing]], a [[device]] (usually a computer [[central processing unit|processor]]) that can run the same [[source code]] intended to be [[compile]]d and run on another device is said to be '''source-compatible'''.
The source code must be [[compiler|compiled]] before running, unless the device can work as an [[Interpreter (computing)|Interpreter]] (this is the case of a few [[bytecode]] processors). Confusingly, sometimes the term is used for [[assembly language]] compatibility, where the source is already [[human-readable]] [[machine code]] but must be converted to executable code by an [[Assembly language#Assembler|assembler]].
Source-compatibility is a major issue in the developing of computer programs. For example, most [[Unix]] systems are source compatible, as long as one uses only standard [[library|libraries]]. [[Microsoft Windows]] systems are source compatible across one major family (NT, 2000, XP or 95, 98, ME), with partial source compatibility between the two families.
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