gem5 standard library overview

The gem5 standard library, introduced in v21.1 and fully released in v21.2, aims to enhance gem5 users’ productivity by providing commonly used components and features. Tutorials are available to help users utilize the library for creating gem5 simulations, including syscall emulation and full-system simulations. The library offers modularity and extensibility.

The central component of the gem5 stdlib is the components package, allowing users to build complex systems with standardized APIs. It follows a metaphor of building a computer with off-the-shelf components, ensuring interchangeability of components as much as possible. A board serves as the core element, facilitating communication between various hardware components.

A typical board requires three main components: the processor (with one or more cores), the memory system (e.g., DDR4_2400), and cache hierarchies. Other devices needed for full-system simulations are managed by the board. A sample usage of components is provided.

The resource package in the stdlib is used to obtain and integrate resources, like applications, kernels, disk images, benchmarks, or tests. Pre-built resources are available in gem5-resources for user convenience. The resource package enables automatic resource acquisition, checking for local copies and downloading if necessary.

The simulate package is used for running gem5 simulations but is in a BETA state and its APIs may change. It primarily deals with exit events, such as workbegin events for ROI detection, offering default behaviors like statistics reset. Users can easily customize these behaviors using the simulate package.

Note: The documentation and tutorials referenced are based on the v22.0 release, so users should ensure they have the correct gem5 version before proceeding.


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