CppCon 2024

Writing an emulator is truly transformative for any aspiring developer. In this session, we will be building parts of a lightning-fast Nintendo GameBoy (DMG-001) emulator library, complete with a webAssembly frontend.

We will introduce the concept of a 'fast' emulator, highlighting its significance beyond mere gaming authenticity. After setting clear limits as to what we aim to achieve within the allotted time, we will delve into some foundational aspects of modern computing by implementing the core components of a GameBoy emulator. Along the way, the need for various programming patterns will emerge naturally, showcasing their relevance in real-world development scenarios.

Additionally, we will demonstrate how integrating modern high-level C++ constructs streamlines our codebase, enhancing both readability and performance. You will witness firsthand how these constructs simplify development and yield significant speed enhancements (even when applied to emulating low-level systems).

This session aims not only to provide practical insights into modern emulator construction but also to invite collaboration on future enhancements and optimizations.