硬件描述语言（hardware descr iption language，HDL）是电子系统硬件行为描述、结构描述、数据流描述的语言。目前，利用硬件描述语言可以进行数字电子系统的设计。随着研究的深入，利用硬件描述语言进行模拟电子系统设计或混合电子系统设计也正在探索中。

国外硬件描述语言种类很多，有的从Pascal发展而来，也有一些从C语言发展而来。-Hardware descr iption language (hardware descr iption language, HDL) is the electronic system hardware behavior descr iption, schema, data flow descr iption language. Currently, the use of hardware descr iption languages ​ ​ can be digital electronic system design. With further research, the use of analog hardware descr iption language for electronic system design or mixed electronic system design are also explored. Abroad, many types of hardware descr iption language, and some evolved from Pascal, there are some from the C language evolved.