README.md

Emulator Implementations

Overview

This project provides two different implementations of an emulator for interacting with PromptProgramm. The emulator automates the interaction by either running the program within a pseudo-terminal (PTY) or using UNIX sockets for communication.

Emulator Implementations

1. Forkpty-based Emulator: This approach runs PromptProgramm in a forked process using a pseudo-terminal (PTY), allowing direct interaction.
2. Socket-based Emulator: This method runs PromptProgramm and the emulator independently, using UNIX sockets for communication.

Note: The socket-based implementation requires socat. To install it, run:

sudo apt update && sudo apt install -y socat

How It Works

Forkpty-based Emulator

1. Create a pseudo-terminal: The emulator calls forkpty(), which creates a new PTY and forks the process.
2. Execute PromptProgramm: In the child process, execl() replaces the process with PromptProgramm.
3. Read program output: The parent process reads output from the pseudo-terminal.
4. Detect input prompts: The emulator scans the output for specific prompts (e.g., "Please enter Your Name:").
5. Send input to PromptProgramm: Once a prompt is detected, the emulator sends the appropriate input (name and age).
6. Continue reading output: The emulator keeps reading until PromptProgramm terminates.
7. Cleanup: After PromptProgramm exits, the emulator ensures all resources are released.

Socket-based Emulator

1. Start PromptProgramm with a UNIX socket: The emulator uses socat to create a socket connection to PromptProgramm.
2. Connect to the socket: The emulator establishes a connection to the socket.
3. Read program output: The emulator listens for output from PromptProgramm.
4. Detect input prompts: It scans the output for specific prompts (e.g., "Please enter Your Name:").
5. Send input to PromptProgramm: Once a prompt is detected, the emulator sends the appropriate input (name and age).
6. Read remaining output: The emulator captures and displays the final output.
7. Cleanup: The emulator ensures the socket is closed properly.

Usage

Running the Emulator

Forkpty-based Emulator

./EmulatorFork <Name> <Age>

Example:

./EmulatorFork John 30

Socket-based Emulator

Run the emulator using the provided bash script:

./run_emulator_socket.sh <Name> <Age>

Example:

./run_emulator_socket.sh John 30

Advantages

Forkpty-based Emulator

• Full terminal emulation: Allows PromptProgramm to run as if it were in a real terminal.
• Simpler interaction: No need for pipes or sockets.
• Direct process control: The emulator can manage PromptProgramm execution directly.

Socket-based Emulator

• Separation of processes: PromptProgramm and the emulator run independently.
• Network compatibility: Can be extended for remote execution.
• More flexible: Can interact with multiple clients.

Conclusion

This project provides two approaches for automating interaction with PromptProgramm. The forkpty method ensures a direct, terminal-like experience, while the socket-based method offers greater flexibility and modularity. Both approaches facilitate testing and automation for applications requiring interactive input.