Native Code

What Does Native Code Mean?

Native code refers to programming code that is configured to run on a specific processor. Native code will generally not function if used on a processor other than the one it was specifically written for unless it is allowed to run over an emulator.

Advertisements

Techopedia Explains Native Code

Because native code is tailor-made for a specific processor, programs written using such code should (theoretically) run optimally on the native processor. The downside is that such programs will usually be rendered useless when used on a different processor. This limitation has steadily decreased since manufacturers have started configuring their processors to work with the same kind of protocols and logic sequences.

Although a program written on native code can run on a processor it was not originally intended for by using emulation software (which mimics the configuration of the originally intended processor), the program’s performance will generally suffer.

Advertisements

Related Terms

Latest Privacy and Compliance Terms

Related Reading

Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…