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.

•Reference: simulation_basics.md
•Key Tools: west build -b native_sim.

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

bash

# Build for host
west build -b native_sim samples/hello_world

# Run the app
./build/zephyr/zephyr.exe

# Debug with GDB
west debug

Resources

•
References:
- •simulation_basics.md: Architectural overview and usage patterns.
- •debugging.md: GDB, Valgrind, and profiling guide.