Forward compatibility in EDI
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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.