Backward vs Forward Architecture

Question

Does the title definitions means something?

I have here some notes I took a while ago and the only thing I wrote is

forward == simpler

backward == harder to grow

Anyone?

Answer 1

It's not well-established terminology, as far as I know. But what were you taking notes of or for? It may be easier to understand given some context.

Perhaps the subject was forward compatibility (which makes things easier if you have it but require forethought and some luck) vs. backward compatibility (which often leads to ugly hacks but is usually what you have to settle for even if you thought you had forward compatibility).