sfdk-emulator-start

Start an emulator

$ sfdk emulator start [name]

$ sfdk emulator stop [name]

$ sfdk emulator status [name]

$ sfdk emulator list

sfdk-emulator-start [OPTIONS] [EMULATOR_ID]

EMULATOR_ID
    Specifies the unique identifier of the emulator instance to be started. If omitted, the command might start a default or the most recently used emulator.

--display MODE
    Defines the graphical display mode for the emulator. Common modes include vnc for remote VNC access, x11 for display on a local X server, or null for a headless operation.

--port PORT_NUMBER
    Assigns a specific network port, often for VNC connections, allowing remote viewing and control of the emulator's display.

--headless
    Starts the emulator without a graphical user interface. This mode is particularly useful for automated testing, CI/CD pipelines, or when graphical output is not required.

--verbose
    Enables verbose output, providing more detailed information about the emulator's startup process and potential issues.

--help
    Displays a help message with available options and usage information for the command.

The sfdk-emulator-start command is a core utility within the Sailfish OS SDK, designed to launch a virtual instance of the Sailfish OS environment. This emulator is crucial for developers to test and debug applications without needing physical hardware. It provides a software-simulated environment that mimics a Sailfish OS device, allowing for development iteration, UI testing, and functional verification. Users can configure various aspects of the emulator's startup, such as display modes, network ports for remote access, and whether it runs in a visible or headless mode. It integrates seamlessly into the SDK's workflow, often being used in conjunction with IDEs like Qt Creator for a streamlined development experience. The command typically takes an emulator ID to specify which pre-configured instance to start, providing flexibility for different testing scenarios.

Starting the emulator consumes significant system resources (CPU, RAM, disk I/O), which can impact overall system performance. Network port conflicts can occur if the specified port is already in use. Ensure that your system meets the Sailfish OS SDK's requirements for optimal emulator performance. Graphical display modes like x11 require a running X server.

The Sailfish OS SDK, including its emulator functionality, is designed to integrate well with popular IDEs such as Qt Creator. Developers can often launch and manage emulators directly from their IDE, facilitating a seamless develop-test-debug cycle.

The emulator typically sets up a virtual network interface, allowing the emulated device to access the host's network and the internet. This is crucial for applications requiring network connectivity, such as those that interact with web services or use online resources.

The sfdk-emulator-start command is an integral part of the Sailfish OS SDK, developed by Jolla. It has been a consistent component since the early days of the SDK, evolving with new Sailfish OS releases to provide a stable and reliable emulation environment for application developers targeting the platform. Its development has focused on improving performance, compatibility, and integration with modern development workflows.

sfdk-emulator-create(1), sfdk-emulator-list(1), sfdk-emulator-stop(1), sfdk-build(1), sfdk-deploy(1)