NetSim Version

  Standard Professional 

NetSim Release

 v14.4 or higher

NetSim Components

 All Components

 

Here's a detailed guide on Setting up VS Code for NetSim Protocol Source Code Modification & Debugging:

 

Please read the instructions carefully before starting the installation procedure:

  1. For NetSim users v14.3 or lower please download and extract the .vscode files to NetSim Source Code of the installation directory (Example: C:\Program Files\NetSim\Standard_v14_3\src\Simulation) and create a new workspace in NetSim and then follow the steps given below.
  2. Step 1 and Step 2 should be only performed once. 
  3. Even if VS Code is installed in your system, run the batch-file to install its necessary extension. If VS Code is already installed it will pass those steps.


Download
Download VS Code JSON files to support for v14.3 or lower: .vscode.zip
Download the Batch Files required for the installation: NetSim-VSCode-BatchFiles.zip



 Step 1: Install Visual Studio Code and Necessary Extensions (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP EVEN IF VS CODE IS ALREADY INSTALLED)

  • Run the provided Batch File which:
    • Runs the batch file InstallVSCode.bat

  • Installs Visual Studio Code (VSCode).
  • Installs the C/C++ Extension Pack needed for development & debugging.

 

Step 2: Install Visual Studio Build Tools (MSVC Compiler)

  • Run the batch file: InstallVSBuildTools.bat 

  • This batch file should automate the download & silent installation of Visual Studio Build Tools with required components.

 

Step 3: Open NetSim Source Code in VS Code

  • Launch VS Code.
  • Click on File > Open Folder

  • Navigate to the NetSim source code directory of your workspace and select the folder.
  • Example: Documents\NetSim\Workspaces\Default-v14_2\src\Simulation

 


  • VS Code will now open the entire source code workspace.

✅ Now the NetSim project is ready for modification and compilation.

 

Step 4: Modify and Compile NetSim Protocol (e.g., AODV)

  • Modify the source code of any protocol, e.g., AODV.

  • After modifications:
    • Press Ctrl + Shift + P.    
    • Type Run Task and press Enter.

  • From the list, select Build AODV (Release x64).

 

  • This will start compiling the AODV project.
  • If successful, it will compile with 0 errors.

✅ Compilation is now complete and the modified binary is ready.

 

Step 5: Setting up Debugging for Run-time

  • Open the source code file where you want to debug.
  • Add breakpoints by clicking next to the line numbers.

 

Step 6: Run a Simulation in NetSim UI

  • Open the NetSim UI.
  • Load or create a scenario that uses the protocol/project you have modified.
  • Click on Run to start the simulation.
  • This will internally start the NetSim simulation engine (NetSimCore.exe).
  • ⚠ Do not proceed further

 

Step 7: Attach Debugger to NetSimCore.exe

  • Go back to VS Code.
  • Click on Run > Start Debugging or press F5.

  • In the prompt, search for NetSimCore.exe.
  • Select NetSimCore.exe from the list.

✅ This will attach the debugger to the running NetSim process.

 

Step 8: Start Simulation Execution to Hit Breakpoints

  • Switch back to the NetSimCore.exe window.
    • Continue the simulation
    • If your sample scenario involves the modified protocol, VS Code will catch the breakpoints where you added them.

  • Now you can perform:
    • Continue F5
    • Step-over (F10)
    • Step-into (F11)
    • Or use the UI
    • Inspect variables and call stacks.

 

Summary Workflow 

  • Install VS Code & Extensions ✅
  • Install VS Build Tools (MSVC) ✅
  • Open NetSim Source Code Folder ✅
  • Modify Protocol Source Code ✅
  • Compile using "Run Task > Build AODV" ✅
  • Run NetSimCore.exe & Prepare Scenario ✅
  • Attach Debugger in VS Code (F5) ✅
  • Run Simulation & Debug ✅