Native (computing)

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In computing, native software or data-formats are those that were designed to run on a particular operating system. In a more technical sense, native code is code written specifically for a certain processor.^[1] In contrast, cross-platform software can be run on multiple operating systems and/or computer architectures.

For example, a Game Boy receives its software through a cartridge, which contains code that runs natively on the Game Boy.^[2] The only way to run this code on another processor is to use an emulator, which simulates an actual Game Boy.^[3] This usually comes at the cost of speed.^[4]