STL—a high level language for simulation and test

A high-level language for the description of functional tests is described. This language integrates simulation and test by providing a common source language and programming environment. Through the use of individual code generation modules, this high-level language can be compiled into input for various simulators and testers. “Expert knowledge” contained within each code generation module allows optimal test programs to be generated. In particular, the hardware architecture of the target tester is directly supported. The Simulation and Test Language (STL) programming environment also supports behavioral modeling of the device being designed. The outputs predicted by this behavioral model can then be automatically compared with the results produced by simulation.