To execute 68k code you dont need an emulator
Interesting statement there. I think we're just in semantics now..
So, let's leave out the "custom chips."
Are all of the 68k opcodes supported on the PPC?
If so, then I agree...
If not, what does the OS do when an app issues a command using an opcode for a 68k CPU that isn't supported on the PPC?
If it translates it, even on the fly, then (IMHO) it's emulating the 68k CPU from the programs perspective.
Now, I have to say that I don't think in any way that it's a bad thing.
I love emulation. I love virtual machines.
It sounds like MorphOS is doing "emulation right" in my opinion.
It's using it only when it needs to.
desiv
p.s. Java is an interesting case. Most VMs are (again, IMHO) emulators. Java is, in a way, an emulator.. But, it's not emulating a pre-existing system. It's emulating a generic "virtual machine" that was created just for the purpose of Java... Of course, you could say that, since the platform didn't exist, it's not "emulating" anything.. That's a toughy..