>"XLS enables the rapid development of hardware IP that also runs as efficient host software via "software style" methodology. An XLS design runs at native speeds for use in host software or a simulator, but that design can also generate hardware block output -- the XLS tools' correctness ensures (and provides tools to help formally verify) that they are functionally identical."

The ability to run and verify hardware designs quickly in software simulators is the key to rapid iteration of hardware designs, which is the key to more robust hardware, faster.

For that reason, XLS should be worth watching in this space...