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Native describes a computing system as operating directly with an underlying technology; with no intervening communication or translation layers.
Native software isbuilt to beexecuted directly byprocessors that implement a compatibleinstruction set.[1] A program that runs natively on one platform is runnable on another platform via anemulator if an emulator is available and, generally, with significant runtime speed degradation.[2] For example, games for aGame Boy (typically distributed as acartridge), generally run natively on a Game Boy which is relatively incompatible with other computer platforms.[3] To run such a game on another processor, software that emulates the Game Boy hardware is required.[4]
Cross-platform software can run on multiple processors although possibly requiring it to be re-built for different target systems.
A nativeapplication programming interface (API) provides direct access to an underlying technology. For example, theWindowsNative API is anapplication programming interface specific for theWindows NT kernel, which provides access to some kernel functions which cannot be directly accessed through the more universalWindows API.
A nativevirtual 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 – the one that actually maintains direct control of the hardware – is referred to as a "Native VM".
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Applied todata, nativedata formats orcommunication protocols are those supported by a certaincomputer hardware or software, with maximal consistency and minimal amount of additional components.
For example,EGA andVGA video adaptersnatively supportcode page 437. This does not preclude supporting othercode pages, but it requires either afont uploading or usinggraphic modes.
Cloud native refers to the approach of building, deploying, and managing applications in cloud computing environments – for software optimized for running on a cloud-based platform.