Native mode refers to software running on a computer’s hardware without emulation or intervention. Compatibility mode extends an OS’s functionality to older programs, acting as a translator rather than an emulator. Programs designed for a specific platform without additional support are considered native.
Native mode generally refers to one of two things related to the computer’s software or hardware. When software runs natively, it runs on the computer’s actual hardware rather than through emulation or the intervention of another program. This state is common for most normal computer programs running on a system. The other usage means that a piece of hardware or software is specifically designed to run in a particular environment. In many ways, this is a more general version of the first use, but it involves other situations such as compatibility mode.
The most important factor in the first use is the emulation. An emulator can mimic a specific set of hardware, which will allow non-native programs to run in an environment they feel comfortable in. Other forms of emulation are possible, but hardware emulation has the greatest impact on native mode.
The other factor that affects this part of native mode is software support systems. These programs support another program; this is different from true emulation because the software you are running runs on existing hardware, but the program won’t run without the other program running. This situation is much less common than emulation, but it does happen in some places, like web browsers. Essentially, programs will run inside a browser but not outside.
The other aspect of native mode is all about compatibility mode. This is a method used by operating systems to extend their functionality to older programs. As systems and hardware advance, calls made by older systems are no longer favorable or are used for other reasons. Compatibility mode allows a modern system to transfer information back and forth with older technology.
Compatibility mode may look the same as an emulator, but it’s actually quite different. Emulators create an artificial environment that allows non-native programs to run. Compatibility mode acts more like a translator, taking information from one system and converting it into the language used by the other.
All of these systems create non-native situations. Native mode is defined as a system that does not use any of these additional compatibility processes. As long as a program is designed to run on a specific platform and doesn’t require any software or translation support, it is native. As soon as a program falls outside these requirements, it is not native.
Just because a program runs natively in one situation doesn’t mean it’s always a native program. If the same program runs on two different operating systems, it may run natively on one but require emulation on the other. Also, as a program gets older, it will eventually require compatibility mode just to function properly.
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