A simulator for real‐time software debugging and testing

Abstract A software simulator can be built to facilitate debugging and testing of real‐time programs. This paper describes a simulator designed to operate in three modes: simulation, debugging and process monitoring. In the simulation mode, it simulates a Z80‐based microcomputer and can be used to execute programs written in the Z80‐assembler language. In the debugging mode, it provides facilities for interactive debugging on the instruction level. The simulator's unique feature is the process monitoring mode. It displays the activities among processes being executed concurrently under the control of a real‐time executive and thus allowing direct observation of dynamic program behaviour at the process level.