| name | native-sim |
| description | Host-based simulation using the Zephyr native_sim board. Covers building for Linux/macOS/Windows, automated testing, host-side debugging (GDB, Valgrind), and host-target integration. Trigger when developing application logic without hardware or setting up CI/CD tests. |
Zephyr Native Simulation
Develop, test, and debug Zephyr applications with the speed and convenience of your host machine.
Core Workflows
1. Simulation Basics
Understand when to use native_sim vs. QEMU and how to map host resources.
2. Host-Side Debugging
Use professional host tools to find the most elusive bugs.
- Reference: debugging.md
- Key Tools:
gdb, valgrind, gprof, pcap.
3. Automated Testing (CI/CD)
The foundation of modern firmware development.
- Reference: See the
testing-debugging skill (Phase 3) for comprehensive testing workflows.
- Key Tools:
twister -p native_sim.
Quick Start
west build -b native_sim samples/hello_world
./build/zephyr/zephyr.exe
west debug
Automation Tools
Examples & Templates
Validation Checklist
Resources
- References:
simulation_basics.md: Architectural overview and usage patterns.
debugging.md: GDB, Valgrind, and profiling guide.
- Scripts:
native_log_scan.py: Failure signature scanner for native_sim logs.
- Assets:
native_sim_ci_checklist.md: CI simulation review checklist.