# Simulation vs. Synthesis Files

Rules are scoped, meaning they can apply:

* Only to synthesis files (rules tagged as [`synthesis`](https://demo.linty-services.com/coding_rules?tags=synthesis))
* Or only to simulation files (tagged
  with [`simulation`](https://demo.linty-services.com/coding_rules?tags=simulation))
* Or to both synthesis and simulation files

To analyse simulation files:

1. Add paths of simulation files to `sonar.sources`
2. Tell Linty which part of your source code is about simulation through the `sonar.hdl.file.simulationPaths`
   property (**Project Settings > General Settings > HDL**).