GHDL is a VHDL simulator, using the GCC technology. VHDL is a language standardized by the IEEE, intended for developing electronic systems. GHDL implements the VHDL language according to the IEEE 1076-1987 or the IEEE 1076-1993 standard. It compiles VHDL files and creates a binary that simulates your design. GHDL does not do synthesis: it cannot translate your design into a netlist. Since GHDL is a compiler , you can call functions or procedures written in a foreign language, such as C, C++, or Ada95.