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I was reviewing close votes and was at first tempted to jump on the bandwagon and close this question (for which the 4 close votes are classifying it as a question about the use of electronics rather than design):

For QuestaSim, what's the difference between vsim.exe and vsimk.exe

But upon more careful consideration, I've definitely seen questions about EE software and tools on the site before and they've generally been acceptable.

To me, this question meets several criteria:

  • It's on-topic, as it's related to EE design
  • It seems possible to help future visitors/searchers
  • This community is probably the best one to ask, short of a product support forum

Possible cons:

  • Software updates/better documentation, etc. could render the question obsolete.
  • Depending on the software/tool, its applicability for future visitors may be minimal (only two followers of the tag for that tool in question).

What is the consensus on EE software/tool usage questions? Should this question actually be closed?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ I've closed it basically because it's asking about why windows hangs on version A vs not hanging on version B. I think it's also a dangerous game to start supporting all but the basic core tools an EE needs. If the software doesn't have a good forum then it's a P.o.S in my book and doesn't deserve support on this site. \$\endgroup\$
    – Andy aka
    Nov 2, 2021 at 11:02
  • \$\begingroup\$ @Andyaka You have some good points. I was focusing on the core of the question which was what's the difference between vsim.exe and vsimk.exe? and felt that might be useful to others. \$\endgroup\$
    – JYelton
    Nov 2, 2021 at 14:45

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It should stay open.

I feel that the pros listed here outweigh the negatives and, especially since it has what appears to be a useful answer, should stay open. (I suspect the close votes may be premature or did not consider the nature of the software being asked about.)

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EE software tool questions have always been on-topic here. But it has to be a tool more or less exclusively used for electronics design. Question examples:

On-topic

  • Schematics editors and PCB CAD software.
  • Electronics or RF simulators.
  • Firmware compilers, debuggers, simulators/emulators.
  • FPGA software, simulators and tools. Including those for VHDL or Verilog like the example from the question.
  • PLC programming software and tools.
  • Electronics production/assembly software.

Off-topic

  • General/mechanical engineering CAD software.
  • General programming tools and IDE, version control systems, databases (ask on SO)
  • PC/general computer questions.
  • Business software, project management software, office suites
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