logisim-evolution / logisim-evolution

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# Logisim-evolution #
* **Table of contents**
 * Features
 * Requirements
 * Troubleshooting
 * **Downloads**
 * Package Manager
 * Nightly builds (unstable)
 * Pictures of Logisim-evolution
 * More Information
 * Bug reports & feature requests
 * For developers
 * How to contribute
 * Credits
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## Features ##
`Logisim-evolution` is educational software for designing and simulating digital logic circuits.
`Logisim-evolution` is free, open-source, and cross-platform.
Project highlights:
* easy to use circuit designer,
* logic circuit simulations,
* chronogram (to see the evolution of signals in your circuit),
* electronic board integration (schematics can be simulated on real hardware),
* VHDL components (components behavior can be specified in VHDL!),
* TCL/TK console (interfaces between the circuit and the user),
* huge library of components (LEDs, TTLs, switches, SoCs),
* allows for custom libraries to be loaded on startup
* supports multiple languages,
* and more!
Getting started (no experience needed):
Step-by-step first circuit:
| Step | What you do | Why it matters |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | `File → New` | Start a clean project |
| 2 | Place two `Input` components and one `AND` gate | Create a simple logic function |
| 3 | Add a `Probe` or `Lamp` as the output | Make the result visible |
| 4 | Use the wiring tool to connect inputs → gate → output | Build the circuit path |
| 5 | Toggle the inputs | Observe how logic affects the output |
| 6 | Save the project | Keep your work for later |
Key ideas in plain language:
| Concept | What it means in practice |
| --- | --- |
| Component | A building block you place on the canvas |
| Wire | The path that carries a 0 or 1 between components |
| Signal | The 0/1 value traveling on a wire |
| Subcircuit | A reusable group of components you define |
| Library | A collection of components you can add to a project |
If you get stuck:
* Click a component and read its properties panel.
* Use `Edit → Undo` to step back safely.
* Check the screenshots and docs links below for examples.
Image gallery: the three thumbnails above link to a larger set of screenshots in `docs/pics.md`.
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## Requirements ##
`Logisim-evolution` is a Java application; therefore, it can run on any operating system supporting the Java runtime enviroment.
It requires Java 21 (or newer).
Accessibility notes:
* If you use a screen reader, the `docs/` pages are plain Markdown and generally read well in linear order.
* If you prefer larger text or higher contrast, use your OS display settings or Java accessibility options.
* Keyboard navigation is supported throughout the app; consult the in-app help for shortcuts.
* The image gallery uses thumbnails that link to full-size images for better visibility.
Accessibility quick setup:
| Need | Tip |
| --- | --- |
| Larger text | Increase OS scaling or Java UI scaling |
| High contrast | Enable high-contrast mode in your OS |
| Keyboard-only use | Rely on menus and in-app shortcuts |
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