BACKWARD-COMPAT-EDI

Downward compatibility — a new system that can read older formats.

Definition

Critical property when deploying a new hub version: not-yet-migrated partners keep working. EDIFACT is backward-compatible by design (new optional segments, extended values). X12 maintains backward-compat across minor versions (4010 → 4030) but not minors (4010 → 5010 = HIPAA refactoring).

Origin

General engineering concept, formalised in EDI through UN/CEFACT and X12 Steering Committee directives.

Example in context

An EDIFACT D.13B parser transparently accepting D.96A messages without validation error.

Related terms

• Forward compat — reverse symmetric.
• Versioning — parent framework.