Editing Native (computing)

{{see also|Native and  format}}
{{Short description|Software that operates directly in a given context}}
{{Original research|date=February 2023}}
'''Native''' describes a computing system as operating directly with an underlying technology; with no intervening communication or translation layers.

== Native software ==

Native software is [[software build|built]] to be [[Execution (computing)|executed]] directly by [[Processor (computing)|processors]] that implement a compatible [[instruction set]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://searchapparchitecture.techtarget.com/definition/native-code|title=What is native code? - Definition from WhatIs.com|website=SearchAppArchitecture|language=en|access-date=2019-11-22}}</ref> A program that runs natively on one platform is runnable on another platform via an [[emulator]] if an emulator is available and, generally, with significant runtime speed degradation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-does-emulation-work/|title=How Does Emulation Work and Why Is It So S
|website=MakeUseOf|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-22}}</ref> For example, games for a [[Game Boy]] (typically distributed as a [[ROM cartridge|cartridge]]), generally run natively on a Game Boy which is relatively incompatible with other computer platforms.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/4033/Nintendo-Game-Boy/|title=Nintendo Game Boy - Game Console - Computing History|website=www.computinghistory.org.uk|access-date=2019-11-22}}</ref> To run such a game on another processor, software that emulates the Game Boy hardware is required.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/347530/the-importance-of-emulation-for-games-preservation/|title=Why Are Video Game Emulators So Important? (Because They Preserve Our History)|last=Pot|first=Justin|website=How-To Geek|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-22}}</ref>

[[Cross-platform software]] can run on multiple processors although possibly requiring it to be re-built for different target systems. 

== Native API ==
A native [[application programming interface]] (API) provides direct access to an underlying technology. For example, the [[Windows]] [[Native API]] is an [[application programming interface]] specific for the [[Windows NT]] kernel, which provides access to some kernel functions which cannot be directly accessed through the more universal [[Windows API]].

== Native VM ==
A native [[virtual machine]] (VM) runs directly on hardware; without virtualization or virtualization at its lowest level. For example, with multiple levels of virtualization, the lowest level operating system {{endash}} the one that actually maintains direct control of the hardware {{endash}} is referred to as a "Native VM".

== Native data ==
{{expand section|date=February 2012}}
Applied to [[data (computing)|data]], native [[data type|data formats]] or [[communication protocol]]s are those supported by a certain [[computer hardware]] or software, with maximal consistency and minimal amount of additional components.

For example, [[Enhanced Graphics Adapter|EGA]] and [[VGA]] video adapters ''natively'' support [[code page 437]]. This does not preclude supporting other [[code page]]s, but it requires either a [[VGA-compatible text mode#Fonts|font uploading]] or using [[All Points Addressable|graphic modes]].

== Cloud Native ==
'''Cloud native''' refers to the approach of building, deploying, and managing applications in cloud computing environments {{endash}} for software optimized for running on a cloud-based platform.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Computer jargon]]