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 makes one computer system behave like another, allowing programs designed for the original system to run on a different platform. It is commonly used for compatibility, testing, and preserving access to older software and games.
What it is
An emulator imitates a target system closely enough that software written for that system can run on the emulating platform. It reproduces or translates hardware components, instruction sets, and operating-system-level functions, so guest software executes on the host as if on the original device.
Why it matters
Emulators are essential for software development and testing across platforms, cross-platform compatibility, and preserving legacy software and games. In Canada, they support digital preservation of older systems used by businesses, schools, and hobbyists, and enable app testing without needing the physical device.
Key details
While emulators fully reproduce the target system, simulators may only model selected behaviours. Emulators can be hardware, software, or a mix. They are widely used to run older programs and games on newer computers, and for testing Android apps (APK files) or web applications on different devices.
In short
- An emulator makes a host system behave like a guest system.
- It allows software from one platform to run on another.
- Used for testing, legacy software access, and retro gaming.
- Emulators differ from simulators by more fully replicating the target.
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.
Quick questions
What is an emulator?
What is an emulator used for?
How is an emulator different from a simulator?
Sources
- 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.