Emulator
An emulator is hardware or software that enables one computer system to behave like another, allowing programs designed for the latter to run on the former.
An emulator is hardware or software that enables one computer system to behave like another, allowing programs designed for the latter to run on the former. In computing, emulators are used for compatibility, software testing, and running older or platform-specific software on different systems.
Definition
In computing, an emulator is a system that imitates another system closely enough that software for the original platform can run on the emulating platform. Dictionary definitions also use the broader sense of something that imitates another thing.
How emulators work
Emulators typically reproduce or translate the behaviour of the target system, including hardware components, instruction sets, and operating-system-level functions, so that the guest software can execute on the host.
Uses
Emulators are commonly used for software development and testing, cross-platform compatibility, and preserving access to legacy software and games on newer hardware. They allow software written for one computer or operating system to run on another, and are used for testing applications without the target physical device.
Emulator versus simulator
Several sources distinguish emulators from simulators by saying emulators more fully reproduce the target system, while simulators may only model parts of its behaviour or environment.
Key facts
- An emulator makes a host system behave like a guest system.
- Emulators can allow software written for one computer or operating system to run on another.
- Emulators are used for testing applications without the target physical device.
- They are also used to run older software and games on newer computers.
- Some sources distinguish emulators from simulators by noting that emulators more fully replicate the target system.
Emulators are relevant to Canadian readers through software development, app testing, retro gaming, and digital preservation of legacy systems used by businesses, schools, and hobbyists.
Frequently asked questions
What is an emulator?
What is an emulator used for?
Is an emulator always software?
How is an emulator different from a simulator?
Can emulators run old games and programs?
References
- Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emulatorSupports: Dictionary definition of emulator as one that emulates and as hardware or software that permits programs written for one computer to run on another.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmulatorSupports: Computing definition of an emulator as hardware or software enabling a host system to behave like a guest system.
- Dictionary.com — https://www.dictionary.com/browse/emulatorSupports: General and computing definitions of emulator as something that imitates or as hardware/software designed to imitate a different system.
- Britannica Dictionary — https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/emulatorSupports: Computing definition of emulator as a program or device that permits programs written for one kind of computer to be used on another.
- PCMag — https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/emulatorSupports: Definition of emulator and note that it translates foreign application machine language; distinction from simulator.
- testmuai.com — https://www.testmuai.com/learning-hub/what-is-an-emulator/Supports: Explanation that emulators replicate hardware and software and are used in testing.
- Spiceworks — https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/devops/articles/what-are-emulators/Supports: Definition of emulator as hardware or software that allows a system to behave like another and discussion of how emulation operates.
- Simple English Wikipedia — https://www.simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/EmulatorSupports: Plain-language description that emulators make one kind of computer behave like another, often for old software and games.