The desire for VCDS (Vag-Com) compatibility beyond Windows, specifically on Linux and macOS, is significant. While the current reliance on Windows-based drivers presents a challenge, a potential solution lies in separating the cable’s key function from its core driver functionality.
A possible approach involves open-sourcing the code responsible for device recognition, allowing developers to create drivers for various operating systems. Without the key code, the cable would be recognized but not accepted by the VCDS software. However, Ross-Tech could then integrate the key function into these open-source drivers, enabling compatibility across different platforms.
This approach offers a pathway to broader VCDS accessibility with minimal effort from Ross-Tech. By leveraging the open-source community’s expertise, drivers for Linux, macOS, and potentially other operating systems could be developed and officially supported, satisfying the demand for a more versatile diagnostic solution. This separation of key and driver code could be the key to unlocking VCDS’s cross-platform potential.
This strategy offers a balance between maintaining copy protection and expanding platform compatibility. Open-sourcing the core driver functionality fosters community involvement while Ross-Tech retains control over the crucial key component. This collaborative approach could significantly enhance VCDS’s user base and solidify its position as a leading diagnostic tool. While this is a theoretical approach, it highlights a potential solution to the longstanding desire for VCDS to function seamlessly across multiple operating systems.
Ultimately, enabling VCDS compatibility on platforms like Linux and macOS would unlock new possibilities for users and potentially lead to wider adoption of the software. The benefits of broader compatibility could outweigh the perceived risks associated with open-sourcing a portion of the driver code. This concept presents a compelling opportunity for Ross-Tech to address user demand and further enhance the versatility of its flagship diagnostic tool.
