FORWARD-COMPAT-EDI

Upward compatibility — an older system tolerating newer formats.

Definition

Harder to guarantee than backward compat. Recommended practice: a parser should silently ignore unknown segments, accept new qualifier values, and log without blocking. A large share of EDI partners do not respect this rule — hence the importance of conformity testing before any change.

Origin

General engineering concept, formalised in EDI through Walmart, Stellantis, ODETTE guidelines.

Example in context

A D.96A parser receiving a D.13B message with a new composite — ignores the composite, processes the rest.

Related terms

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