Phases

Rules are grouped together and executed in phases. This simplifies rule generation for rules in later phases. If issues are found during a phase, then successive phases will not run. The phases are constructed to model the proper order of fixing issues. Each phase prepares the code for the next phase.

Phase 1 - Structural

This phase checks the structure of VHDL statements. This ensures the VHDL is structured properly for future phases.

Phase 2 - Whitespace

This phase checks whitespace rules. However, this does not include indentation.

Phase 3 - Vertical Spacing

This phase checks all vertical spacing requirements.

Phase 4 - Indentation

This phase checks all indentation rules.

Phase 5 - Alignment

This phase checks all alignment rules.

Phase 6 - Capitalization

This phase checks capitalization rules.

Phase 7 - Naming conventions

This phase checks naming conventions for signals, constants, ports, etc…

Subphases

Each phase can have multiple subphases. There are rules which are executed within the same phase, but one is dependent on another. Utilizing a subphase allows for the proper execution of the rules.

Subphase 1

Prepare code for rules in subphase 2.

Subphase 2

Execute on code prepared in subphase 1.