Emulation
Emulation is a computing technique that allows one computer system (the host) to mimic the behavior of another system (the guest), enabling software designed for the guest to run on the host. It involves replicating hardware, software, or both, often through an emulator program that interprets or translates guest instructions. This is widely used for running legacy software, cross-platform development, and preserving digital artifacts.
Developers should learn emulation when working with legacy systems, cross-platform applications, or digital preservation projects, as it allows execution of software on incompatible hardware. It's essential for testing software across different environments, debugging low-level code, and in fields like retro gaming, embedded systems, and cybersecurity for analyzing malware in isolated environments.