Emulators and Simulators are software applications that enable users to emulate or simulate the features of a specific device, operating system, or application. An emulator is typically used to run certain types of applications or software that are not available on the host system. For example, someone who has a PC with Windows 8 can use a PlayStation 3 emulator to play video games and experience that console’s features on their PC.
Simulators, on the other hand, are typically used to replicate the process of performing an activity, such as flying an airplane, rather than the actual hardware or software of the original device. For example, someone who wants to learn how to fly a plane can use a flight simulator to practice navigating and controlling the plane.
Both emulators and simulators are useful tools for developers, allowing them to test applications and software in a “real world” environment without the need to actually purchase or access the physical hardware or software. Both also provide users with the ability to experience hardware or software that may not be available on their own systems.