How to learn QEMU source code?

[cirosantilli]

Private question, answer:

I haven't touched QEMU source code much. But emulators are simple things in general, just get my linux-kernel-module-cheat and step debug the hell out QEMU source code.

The only interesting part is likely the binary translator for cross arch simulation, for that one they must have unit tests that you can read up.

Start with bare metal content or user mode simulation + freestanding assembly executable e.g. like this: https://stackoverflow.com/questions/13005303/how-does-native-android-code-written-for-arm-run-on-x86/44505097#44505097