The Howdy Glossary

Cadence SKILL is a programming language created by Cadence Design Systems in the 1980s, specifically for integrating electronic design automation (EDA) functions within their tools. It functions similarly to C, making it accessible to engineers with a C background and allowing them to work more efficiently on projects within the Cadence environment. SKILL enables task automation, custom interface creation, and execution of complex operations within CAD tools.

SKILL's primary purpose is to provide a standardized platform for customization and interoperability between different CAD tools. Its capabilities allow engineers to automate tasks, manipulate data structures, develop custom graphical user interfaces (GUIs), verify designs through simulation controls, and perform other intricate operations. This flexibility reduces the need for manual intervention in time-consuming tasks within the CAD ecosystem, thereby promoting efficiency and facilitating innovation in the design process.

While Cadence SKILL faces competition from Tcl (Tool Command Language) and Python due to their simplicity and versatility across various engineering applications, SKILL's specialized focus on EDA functions gives it an edge. Its close resemblance to C syntax helps engineers transition seamlessly into its environment while maintaining productivity. The language excels in streamlining tasks specific to electronic design automation within the Cadence ecosystem by offering tailored integration mechanisms for efficient customization and complex operation handling.