Which tool enables running Windows applications natively on an x86 platform?

WINE is a compatibility layer that allows for the execution of Windows applications on Unix-like operating systems without the need for an actual copy of Windows. It translates Windows API calls into POSIX calls, effectively enabling software designed for Windows to run natively on x86 platforms. This allows users to run many Windows applications directly on systems like Linux or macOS as if they were native applications.

Unlike virtualization tools, WINE does not create a virtual environment or require a Windows operating system to be installed, making it lightweight and efficient for running compatible applications.

VMware and QEMU, on the other hand, are virtualization solutions that create environments in which an entire operating system can run, not just individual applications. They require a separate installation of Windows to operate, which is not the case with WINE. Boxedwine is also designed to allow Windows applications to run, specifically targeting older Windows applications and games, but WINE is more established and widely used for this purpose.