Step 1: GUI skeleton for LIN Simulator (Python + C++)

- PyQt6 main window with Tx/Rx tables, connection dock, LDF toolbar, control bar with global send rate, and status bar - C++ Qt6 equivalent with identical layout and feature parity - About dialog: TeqanyLogix LTD / Developer: Mohamed Salem - Application logo (SVG + PNG) with LIN bus waveform design - Full test suites: Python (32 tests), C++ QTest (34 tests) - Project plan and Step 1 documentation Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.6 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>
2026-04-02 16:40:52 +02:00 · 2026-04-02 16:40:52 +02:00 · b808770573
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--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
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+# Python
+__pycache__/
+*.py[cod]
+*.egg-info/
+dist/
+build/
+venv/
+.venv/
+
+# C++
+build/
+cmake-build-*/
+*.o
+*.so
+*.dylib
+*.dll
+*.exe
+
+# IDE
+.vscode/
+.idea/
+*.swp
+
+# OS
+.DS_Store
+Thumbs.db
+
+# PyInstaller
+*.spec
--- a/PLAN.md
+++ b/PLAN.md
@ -0,0 +1,207 @@
+# LIN Master Simulator Tool — Implementation Plan
+
+## Context
+Build a cross-platform LIN master simulator GUI using BabyLIN devices. Two parallel implementations: Python (PyQt6) and C++ (Qt6). Each step is built, verified, and tested before moving to the next.
+
+## Project Structure
+```
+LIN_Control_Tool/
+├── python/                # Python implementation
+│   ├── src/
+│   ├── tests/
+│   └── requirements.txt
+├── cpp/                   # C++ implementation
+│   ├── src/
+│   ├── tests/
+│   └── CMakeLists.txt
+└── resources/             # Shared: sample LDF files, icons, etc.
+```
+
+## Tech Stack
+- **Python:** PyQt6, ldfparser, pyserial, pytest
+- **C++:** Qt6 (Widgets, SerialPort), CMake, GoogleTest
+- **LDF parsing (C++):** Custom or port of ldfparser logic
+
+## Step-by-Step Plan
+
+### Step 1 — GUI Skeleton
+- **Status:** DONE — Python (32/32 tests) | C++ (34/34 tests)
+- **Goal:** Main window with all panel placeholders laid out.
+
+**Panels:**
+- Top bar: LDF file loader (path + browse button + auto-reload indicator)
+- Left: Connection status panel (device dropdown, connect/disconnect, status LED)
+- Center-top: Tx panel (table placeholder — frame name, ID, signals, data, send button)
+- Center-bottom: Rx panel (table placeholder — timestamp, frame name, ID, data, signals)
+- Bottom: Control bar (start/stop scheduler, manual send)
+
+**Python:** PyQt6 QMainWindow, QDockWidget or QSplitter layout
+**C++:** Qt6 QMainWindow, same layout with .ui or code-based
+
+**Testing:**
+- Launch app, verify all panels render correctly
+- Resize window — panels resize proportionally
+- Cross-platform: test on macOS, Windows, Linux
+
+---
+
+### Step 2 — LDF Loading & Display
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Load an LDF file, parse it, populate Tx/Rx tables with frame/signal info.
+
+**Features:**
+- File picker dialog
+- Parse LDF using `ldfparser` (Python) / custom parser (C++)
+- Populate Tx table with master frames (name, ID, length, signals)
+- Populate Rx table columns (ready for runtime data)
+- Auto-reload: watch file for changes, re-parse on modification
+- Error handling for invalid LDF files
+
+**Python:** ldfparser library, QFileSystemWatcher for auto-reload
+**C++:** Custom LDF parser, QFileSystemWatcher
+
+**Testing:**
+- Load valid LDF → tables populate correctly
+- Load invalid file → error message shown
+- Modify LDF on disk → auto-reload triggers, tables update
+- Verify parsed frame IDs, signal names, lengths match LDF content
+
+---
+
+### Step 3 — Tx Panel (Signal Editing)
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Editable Tx table where user can modify signal values based on LDF types.
+
+**Features:**
+- Each master frame row expandable to show individual signals
+- Signal value editors based on type (bool → checkbox, int → spinbox, enum → dropdown)
+- Frame data bytes update live as signals are edited
+- Respect signal bit position, length, encoding from LDF
+- Manual "Send" button per frame
+
+**Python:** QTreeWidget or QTableWidget with custom delegates
+**C++:** Same with QStyledItemDelegate subclasses
+
+**Testing:**
+- Edit a signal → frame data bytes reflect the change correctly
+- Bool signal toggles between 0/1
+- Enum signal shows correct value names from LDF
+- Integer signal respects min/max range from LDF
+- Bit packing: verify multi-signal frames encode correctly
+
+---
+
+### Step 4 — Rx Panel (Real-time Display)
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Rx table that shows incoming frames with timestamps.
+
+**Features:**
+- Columns: timestamp, frame name, frame ID, raw data, decoded signals
+- Expandable rows to see individual signal values
+- Auto-scroll with pause option
+- Clear button
+- Signal highlighting on value change
+
+**Python:** QTableWidget with QTimer-based mock data for testing
+**C++:** Same approach
+
+**Testing:**
+- Feed mock Rx data → rows appear with correct timestamps
+- Auto-scroll follows new data
+- Pause stops scrolling, resume catches up
+- Signal decode matches expected values
+- Performance: handle 1000+ rows without lag
+
+---
+
+### Step 5 — Connection Panel & Device Discovery
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Detect BabyLIN devices, show connection status.
+
+**Features:**
+- Scan for available serial ports / BabyLIN devices
+- Device dropdown with refresh button
+- Connect / Disconnect buttons
+- Status indicator (disconnected/connecting/connected/error)
+- Display device info on connect (firmware version, etc.)
+
+**Python:** pyserial for port enumeration, QThread for connection
+**C++:** QSerialPort, QSerialPortInfo
+
+**Testing:**
+- No device → dropdown empty, status shows "No device"
+- Mock serial port → connection succeeds, status turns green
+- Disconnect → status updates, UI re-enables connect
+- Unplug during session → error state shown, graceful handling
+
+---
+
+### Step 6 — BabyLIN Communication Backend
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Implement the protocol layer for BabyLIN communication.
+
+**Features:**
+- Serial protocol commands (init, send frame, receive frame)
+- BabyLIN-DLL/SDK integration if available
+- Abstract interface so serial vs SDK can be swapped
+- Frame send/receive with proper LIN timing
+- Error detection and reporting
+
+**Python:** pyserial + threading, abstract base class
+**C++:** QSerialPort, abstract interface class
+
+**Testing:**
+- Unit test protocol encoding/decoding
+- Loopback test if hardware available
+- Mock device for CI testing
+- Verify frame timing within LIN spec tolerances
+
+---
+
+### Step 7 — Master Scheduler
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Periodic frame transmission using LDF schedule tables.
+
+**Features:**
+- Parse schedule tables from LDF
+- Run selected schedule with correct timing (slot delays)
+- Start/Stop/Pause controls
+- Visual indication of currently transmitting frame
+- Manual send overrides during schedule execution
+- Schedule table selector dropdown
+
+**Python:** QTimer-based scheduler, QThread for timing accuracy
+**C++:** QTimer, dedicated thread
+
+**Testing:**
+- Start schedule → frames sent in correct order and timing
+- Stop → transmission halts
+- Manual send during schedule → frame injected correctly
+- Verify slot timing accuracy (within tolerance)
+- Switch schedule tables mid-run
+
+---
+
+### Step 8 — Integration & End-to-End
+- **Status:** Not started
+- **Goal:** Wire all components together, full workflow testing.
+
+**Features:**
+- Load LDF → connect device → start schedule → see Rx responses
+- Edit Tx signals on-the-fly during active schedule
+- Full error handling chain (device disconnect mid-run, etc.)
+- Package as standalone executable (PyInstaller / CMake install)
+
+**Testing:**
+- Full workflow with real BabyLIN + LIN slave device
+- Stress test: extended run (hours), verify no memory leaks
+- Cross-platform packaging and launch test
+- Verify all UI states transition correctly
+
+---
+
+## Verification Checklist (Every Step)
+- [ ] Code review — clean, no warnings
+- [ ] Unit tests pass (pytest / GoogleTest)
+- [ ] Manual GUI test on at least one platform
+- [ ] Both Python and C++ versions reach feature parity
--- a/cpp/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/cpp/CMakeLists.txt
@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+# CMakeLists.txt — Build configuration for the LIN Simulator (C++)
+#
+# CMAKE BASICS:
+# =============
+# CMake is a build system generator. It doesn't compile code directly.
+# Instead, it generates platform-specific build files:
+#   - macOS/Linux: Makefiles (then you run `make`)
+#   - Windows: Visual Studio project files
+#   - Any platform: Ninja build files (faster than Make)
+#
+# The workflow is:
+#   1. mkdir build && cd build
+#   2. cmake ..              ← generates build files from this CMakeLists.txt
+#   3. cmake --build .       ← compiles and links the project
+#   4. ./lin_simulator       ← run the application
+#
+# Qt6 integration:
+#   CMake has built-in support for Qt via find_package(Qt6).
+#   Qt needs special preprocessing for its features:
+#     - MOC (Meta-Object Compiler): processes Q_OBJECT macros for signals/slots
+#     - UIC: compiles .ui designer files to C++ headers (we don't use these)
+#     - RCC: compiles resource files (icons, etc.) into the binary
+
+cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.16)
+
+project(LINSimulator
+    VERSION 0.1.0
+    LANGUAGES CXX
+    DESCRIPTION "LIN Simulator using BabyLIN devices"
+)
+
+# C++17 standard — required for structured bindings, std::optional, etc.
+set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD 17)
+set(CMAKE_CXX_STANDARD_REQUIRED ON)
+
+# ── Qt6 auto-processing ──
+# These three lines enable Qt's special preprocessors:
+#   AUTOMOC: automatically runs MOC on headers containing Q_OBJECT
+#   AUTOUIC: automatically compiles .ui files (if we had any)
+#   AUTORCC: automatically compiles .qrc resource files
+set(CMAKE_AUTOMOC ON)
+set(CMAKE_AUTOUIC ON)
+set(CMAKE_AUTORCC ON)
+
+# ── Find Qt6 ──
+# find_package searches for Qt6 on the system.
+# REQUIRED means CMake will error if Qt6 is not found.
+# COMPONENTS lists which Qt modules we need:
+#   Widgets: GUI widgets (QMainWindow, QPushButton, etc.)
+#   We'll add SerialPort in Step 5 when we need device communication.
+find_package(Qt6 REQUIRED COMPONENTS Widgets)
+
+# ── Main application target ──
+# qt_add_executable is Qt's wrapper around add_executable.
+# It handles platform-specific details (macOS app bundle, Windows subsystem, etc.)
+qt_add_executable(lin_simulator
+    src/main.cpp
+    src/main_window.cpp
+    src/main_window.h
+)
+
+# Link against Qt6 Widgets library
+# PRIVATE means this dependency is only for building this target,
+# not propagated to anything that depends on us.
+target_link_libraries(lin_simulator PRIVATE Qt6::Widgets)
+
+# ── Tests ──
+# We use Qt's built-in test framework (QTest) instead of GoogleTest
+# because it integrates naturally with Qt's event loop and widgets.
+# QTest provides:
+#   - QVERIFY(condition): assert a condition is true
+#   - QCOMPARE(actual, expected): assert two values are equal
+#   - QTest::mouseClick(): simulate mouse events
+#   - QTest::keyClick(): simulate keyboard events
+enable_testing()
+find_package(Qt6 REQUIRED COMPONENTS Test)
+
+qt_add_executable(test_main_window
+    tests/test_main_window.cpp
+    src/main_window.cpp
+    src/main_window.h
+)
+
+target_link_libraries(test_main_window PRIVATE Qt6::Widgets Qt6::Test)
+target_include_directories(test_main_window PRIVATE src)
+
+# Register the test with CTest so `ctest` can discover and run it
+add_test(NAME test_main_window COMMAND test_main_window)
--- a/cpp/src/main.cpp
+++ b/cpp/src/main.cpp
@ -0,0 +1,51 @@
+/**
+ * main.cpp — Application entry point for the LIN Simulator (C++).
+ *
+ * This is the C++ equivalent of python/src/main.py.
+ *
+ * C++ VS PYTHON STARTUP:
+ * ======================
+ * Python:  app = QApplication(sys.argv)    →  window = MainWindow()  →  app.exec()
+ * C++:     QApplication app(argc, argv)    →  MainWindow window      →  app.exec()
+ *
+ * The key difference: in C++, objects can live on the STACK (local variable)
+ * or the HEAP (new/delete). Here, both `app` and `window` are stack objects.
+ * When main() returns, they're automatically destroyed — no garbage collector needed.
+ *
+ * Stack vs Heap:
+ *   Stack: `MainWindow window;`      — destroyed when function exits (automatic)
+ *   Heap:  `auto* w = new MainWindow;` — lives until explicitly deleted
+ *
+ * For the main window and app, stack allocation is perfect because they
+ * should live for the entire program duration and be cleaned up at exit.
+ */
+
+#include <QApplication>
+#include <QIcon>
+#include <QDir>
+#include "main_window.h"
+
+int main(int argc, char* argv[])
+{
+    // argc/argv are the C++ equivalent of sys.argv
+    // Qt uses them for platform-specific flags like --platform, --style, etc.
+    QApplication app(argc, argv);
+
+    app.setApplicationName("LIN Simulator");
+    app.setOrganizationName("TeqanyLogix LTD");
+
+    // Set application icon — resolves relative to the executable location.
+    // In the build directory, the icon is at ../../resources/logo.png
+    QString iconPath = QDir(QCoreApplication::applicationDirPath())
+        .filePath("../../resources/logo.png");
+    if (QFile::exists(iconPath)) {
+        app.setWindowIcon(QIcon(iconPath));
+    }
+
+    MainWindow window;
+    window.show();
+
+    // app.exec() enters the event loop — blocks until last window closes.
+    // Returns 0 on success, which main() returns to the OS.
+    return app.exec();
+}
--- a/cpp/src/main_window.cpp
+++ b/cpp/src/main_window.cpp
@ -0,0 +1,372 @@
+/**
+ * main_window.cpp — Implementation of the LIN Simulator main window.
+ *
+ * This is the C++ equivalent of python/src/main_window.py.
+ * The structure mirrors the Python version exactly:
+ *   createMenuBar()       ↔  _create_menu_bar()
+ *   createLdfToolbar()    ↔  _create_ldf_toolbar()
+ *   createCentralWidget() ↔  _create_central_widget()
+ *   createConnectionDock()↔  _create_connection_dock()
+ *   createControlBar()    ↔  _create_control_bar()
+ *   createStatusBar()     ↔  _create_status_bar()
+ *
+ * KEY C++ / QT PATTERNS:
+ * ======================
+ * 1. `new Widget(parent)` — parent takes ownership, no need to delete
+ * 2. `connect(sender, &Class::signal, receiver, &Class::slot)` — type-safe connections
+ * 3. `tr("text")` — marks strings for translation (internationalization)
+ * 4. `QString` — Qt's string class, supports Unicode, formatting, etc.
+ */
+
+#include "main_window.h"
+
+// Now we include the full headers — needed because we're using these classes
+#include <QMenuBar>
+#include <QMenu>
+#include <QToolBar>
+#include <QStatusBar>
+#include <QDockWidget>
+#include <QSplitter>
+#include <QGroupBox>
+#include <QTableWidget>
+#include <QHeaderView>
+#include <QVBoxLayout>
+#include <QHBoxLayout>
+#include <QLabel>
+#include <QLineEdit>
+#include <QPushButton>
+#include <QComboBox>
+#include <QCheckBox>
+#include <QSpinBox>
+#include <QFileDialog>
+#include <QMessageBox>
+#include <QAction>
+
+// ─── Constructor ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+MainWindow::MainWindow(QWidget* parent)
+    : QMainWindow(parent)  // Initialize base class with parent
+    // ^^^ This is the "member initializer list" — it calls the base class
+    // constructor before the body runs. Required for QMainWindow.
+{
+    setWindowTitle(tr("LIN Simulator"));
+    // tr() wraps strings for Qt's translation system. Even if you never
+    // translate, it's a good habit — makes internationalization easy later.
+
+    setMinimumSize(1024, 768);
+
+    createMenuBar();
+    createLdfToolbar();
+    createCentralWidget();
+    createConnectionDock();
+    createControlBar();
+    createStatusBar();
+}
+
+// ─── Menu Bar ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createMenuBar()
+{
+    // menuBar() returns the QMainWindow's built-in menu bar (creates it if needed)
+    auto* fileMenu = menuBar()->addMenu(tr("&File"));
+
+    // QAction in C++ — same concept as Python, but connection syntax differs:
+    //   Python: action.triggered.connect(self._on_load_ldf)
+    //   C++:    connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this, &MainWindow::onLoadLdf)
+    //
+    // The C++ syntax uses pointers-to-member-functions which are type-checked
+    // at compile time — if onLoadLdf doesn't exist, compilation fails.
+    // Python only discovers the error at runtime.
+    m_actionLoadLdf = new QAction(tr("&Load LDF..."), this);
+    m_actionLoadLdf->setShortcut(QKeySequence(tr("Ctrl+O")));
+    m_actionLoadLdf->setStatusTip(tr("Load a LIN Description File"));
+    connect(m_actionLoadLdf, &QAction::triggered, this, &MainWindow::onLoadLdf);
+    fileMenu->addAction(m_actionLoadLdf);
+
+    fileMenu->addSeparator();
+
+    auto* actionExit = new QAction(tr("E&xit"), this);
+    actionExit->setShortcut(QKeySequence(tr("Ctrl+Q")));
+    connect(actionExit, &QAction::triggered, this, &QMainWindow::close);
+    fileMenu->addAction(actionExit);
+
+    m_viewMenu = menuBar()->addMenu(tr("&View"));
+
+    // Help menu
+    auto* helpMenu = menuBar()->addMenu(tr("&Help"));
+    auto* actionAbout = new QAction(tr("&About"), this);
+    connect(actionAbout, &QAction::triggered, this, &MainWindow::onAbout);
+    helpMenu->addAction(actionAbout);
+}
+
+// ─── LDF Toolbar ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createLdfToolbar()
+{
+    auto* toolbar = addToolBar(tr("LDF File"));
+    toolbar->setMovable(false);
+
+    toolbar->addWidget(new QLabel(tr("  LDF File: ")));
+
+    m_ldfPathEdit = new QLineEdit();
+    m_ldfPathEdit->setReadOnly(true);
+    m_ldfPathEdit->setPlaceholderText(tr("No LDF file loaded"));
+    m_ldfPathEdit->setMinimumWidth(300);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_ldfPathEdit);
+
+    m_btnBrowse = new QPushButton(tr("Browse..."));
+    connect(m_btnBrowse, &QPushButton::clicked, this, &MainWindow::onLoadLdf);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_btnBrowse);
+
+    m_chkAutoReload = new QCheckBox(tr("Auto-reload"));
+    m_chkAutoReload->setChecked(true);
+    m_chkAutoReload->setToolTip(
+        tr("Automatically reload the LDF file when it changes on disk")
+    );
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_chkAutoReload);
+}
+
+// ─── Central Widget (Tx + Rx Panels) ─────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createCentralWidget()
+{
+    // In C++, we must explicitly create a central widget and set it.
+    // `new QWidget(this)` — MainWindow becomes the parent/owner.
+    auto* central = new QWidget(this);
+    auto* layout = new QVBoxLayout(central);
+    layout->setContentsMargins(4, 4, 4, 4);
+
+    // Qt::Vertical means the divider line is horizontal (widgets stack top/bottom)
+    auto* splitter = new QSplitter(Qt::Vertical);
+
+    // Tx panel
+    auto* txGroup = new QGroupBox(tr("Tx Frames (Master → Slave)"));
+    auto* txLayout = new QVBoxLayout(txGroup);
+    m_txTable = createTxTable();
+    txLayout->addWidget(m_txTable);
+    splitter->addWidget(txGroup);
+
+    // Rx panel
+    auto* rxGroup = new QGroupBox(tr("Rx Frames (Slave → Master)"));
+    auto* rxLayout = new QVBoxLayout(rxGroup);
+    m_rxTable = createRxTable();
+    rxLayout->addWidget(m_rxTable);
+    splitter->addWidget(rxGroup);
+
+    splitter->setSizes({400, 400});
+
+    layout->addWidget(splitter);
+    setCentralWidget(central);
+}
+
+QTableWidget* MainWindow::createTxTable()
+{
+    auto* table = new QTableWidget();
+    table->setColumnCount(7);
+    table->setHorizontalHeaderLabels({
+        tr("Frame Name"), tr("Frame ID"), tr("Length"), tr("Interval (ms)"),
+        tr("Data"), tr("Signals"), tr("Action")
+    });
+
+    // In C++, we access the enum values with the full scope path:
+    //   QHeaderView::Stretch  vs  Python's QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch
+    auto* header = table->horizontalHeader();
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Frame Name
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // ID
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(2, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // Length
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(3, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // Interval
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(4, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Data
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(5, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Signals
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(6, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // Action
+
+    table->setAlternatingRowColors(true);
+    table->setSelectionBehavior(QAbstractItemView::SelectRows);
+
+    return table;
+}
+
+QTableWidget* MainWindow::createRxTable()
+{
+    auto* table = new QTableWidget();
+    table->setColumnCount(5);
+    table->setHorizontalHeaderLabels({
+        tr("Timestamp"), tr("Frame Name"), tr("Frame ID"),
+        tr("Data"), tr("Signals")
+    });
+
+    auto* header = table->horizontalHeader();
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // Timestamp
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Frame Name
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(2, QHeaderView::ResizeToContents);  // ID
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(3, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Data
+    header->setSectionResizeMode(4, QHeaderView::Stretch);           // Signals
+
+    table->setAlternatingRowColors(true);
+    table->setSelectionBehavior(QAbstractItemView::SelectRows);
+    table->setEditTriggers(QAbstractItemView::NoEditTriggers);
+
+    return table;
+}
+
+// ─── Connection Dock Widget ───────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createConnectionDock()
+{
+    auto* dock = new QDockWidget(tr("Connection"), this);
+    dock->setAllowedAreas(Qt::LeftDockWidgetArea | Qt::RightDockWidgetArea);
+
+    auto* container = new QWidget();
+    auto* layout = new QVBoxLayout(container);
+
+    // Device selection
+    layout->addWidget(new QLabel(tr("Device:")));
+
+    auto* deviceRow = new QHBoxLayout();
+    m_comboDevice = new QComboBox();
+    m_comboDevice->setPlaceholderText(tr("Select device..."));
+    m_comboDevice->setMinimumWidth(150);
+    deviceRow->addWidget(m_comboDevice);
+
+    m_btnRefresh = new QPushButton(tr("Refresh"));
+    m_btnRefresh->setToolTip(tr("Scan for connected BabyLIN devices"));
+    deviceRow->addWidget(m_btnRefresh);
+    layout->addLayout(deviceRow);
+
+    // Baud rate display (read-only, from LDF)
+    layout->addWidget(new QLabel(tr("Baud Rate:")));
+    m_lblBaudRate = new QLabel(tr("— (load LDF)"));
+    m_lblBaudRate->setStyleSheet("font-weight: bold;");
+    m_lblBaudRate->setToolTip(
+        tr("LIN bus baud rate — automatically detected from the LDF file")
+    );
+    layout->addWidget(m_lblBaudRate);
+
+    // Connect / Disconnect
+    auto* btnRow = new QHBoxLayout();
+    m_btnConnect = new QPushButton(tr("Connect"));
+    m_btnDisconnect = new QPushButton(tr("Disconnect"));
+    m_btnDisconnect->setEnabled(false);
+    btnRow->addWidget(m_btnConnect);
+    btnRow->addWidget(m_btnDisconnect);
+    layout->addLayout(btnRow);
+
+    // Status
+    m_lblConnStatus = new QLabel(tr("Status: Disconnected"));
+    m_lblConnStatus->setStyleSheet("color: red; font-weight: bold;");
+    layout->addWidget(m_lblConnStatus);
+
+    // Device info
+    m_lblDeviceInfo = new QLabel(tr("Device Info: —"));
+    layout->addWidget(m_lblDeviceInfo);
+
+    layout->addStretch();
+
+    dock->setWidget(container);
+    addDockWidget(Qt::LeftDockWidgetArea, dock);
+
+    // toggleViewAction() returns a QAction that shows/hides the dock
+    m_viewMenu->addAction(dock->toggleViewAction());
+}
+
+// ─── Control Bar (Bottom Toolbar) ─────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createControlBar()
+{
+    auto* toolbar = new QToolBar(tr("Controls"));
+    toolbar->setMovable(false);
+    addToolBar(Qt::BottomToolBarArea, toolbar);
+
+    // Schedule selector
+    toolbar->addWidget(new QLabel(tr("  Schedule: ")));
+    m_comboSchedule = new QComboBox();
+    m_comboSchedule->setPlaceholderText(tr("No schedule loaded"));
+    m_comboSchedule->setMinimumWidth(200);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_comboSchedule);
+
+    toolbar->addSeparator();
+
+    // Global send rate
+    toolbar->addWidget(new QLabel(tr("  Global Rate (ms): ")));
+    m_spinGlobalRate = new QSpinBox();
+    m_spinGlobalRate->setRange(1, 10000);
+    m_spinGlobalRate->setValue(50);
+    m_spinGlobalRate->setSingleStep(10);
+    m_spinGlobalRate->setSuffix(tr(" ms"));
+    m_spinGlobalRate->setToolTip(
+        tr("Default send interval for all frames. "
+           "Per-frame intervals in the Tx table override this.")
+    );
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_spinGlobalRate);
+
+    toolbar->addSeparator();
+
+    // Scheduler controls
+    m_btnStart = new QPushButton(tr("▶ Start"));
+    m_btnStop = new QPushButton(tr("■ Stop"));
+    m_btnPause = new QPushButton(tr("⏸ Pause"));
+    m_btnStart->setEnabled(false);
+    m_btnStop->setEnabled(false);
+    m_btnPause->setEnabled(false);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_btnStart);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_btnStop);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_btnPause);
+
+    toolbar->addSeparator();
+
+    // Manual send
+    m_btnManualSend = new QPushButton(tr("Send Selected Frame"));
+    m_btnManualSend->setEnabled(false);
+    toolbar->addWidget(m_btnManualSend);
+}
+
+// ─── Status Bar ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::createStatusBar()
+{
+    // statusBar() creates the status bar if it doesn't exist yet
+    m_lblStatusConnection = new QLabel(tr("● Disconnected"));
+    m_lblStatusConnection->setStyleSheet("color: red;");
+    statusBar()->addPermanentWidget(m_lblStatusConnection);
+
+    statusBar()->showMessage(tr("Ready — Load an LDF file to begin"), 5000);
+}
+
+// ─── Slots ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+void MainWindow::onLoadLdf()
+{
+    // QFileDialog::getOpenFileName returns a QString.
+    // In C++, empty string check is .isEmpty() instead of Python's truthiness.
+    QString filePath = QFileDialog::getOpenFileName(
+        this,
+        tr("Open LIN Description File"),
+        QString(),  // Empty = last used directory
+        tr("LDF Files (*.ldf);;All Files (*)")
+    );
+
+    if (!filePath.isEmpty()) {
+        m_ldfPathEdit->setText(filePath);
+        statusBar()->showMessage(
+            tr("LDF file selected: %1").arg(filePath), 3000
+        );
+        // %1 is Qt's string formatting placeholder — .arg() substitutes it.
+        // Similar to Python's f-string: f"LDF file selected: {file_path}"
+    }
+}
+
+void MainWindow::onAbout()
+{
+    QMessageBox::about(
+        this,
+        tr("About LIN Simulator"),
+        tr("<h2>LIN Simulator</h2>"
+           "<p>Version 0.1.0</p>"
+           "<p>A cross-platform tool for simulating LIN master nodes "
+           "using BabyLIN devices.</p>"
+           "<hr>"
+           "<p><b>Owner:</b> TeqanyLogix LTD</p>"
+           "<p><b>Developer:</b> Mohamed Salem</p>"
+           "<hr>"
+           "<p>&copy; 2026 TeqanyLogix LTD. All rights reserved.</p>")
+    );
+}
--- a/cpp/src/main_window.h
+++ b/cpp/src/main_window.h
@ -0,0 +1,162 @@
+/**
+ * main_window.h — Header file for the LIN Simulator main window.
+ *
+ * HEADER FILES IN C++:
+ * ====================
+ * Unlike Python where everything is in one file, C++ splits code into:
+ *   - Header (.h): DECLARES what exists (class names, function signatures)
+ *   - Source (.cpp): DEFINES how it works (function bodies, logic)
+ *
+ * Why? Because C++ compiles each .cpp file independently. Headers let
+ * different .cpp files know about each other's classes without seeing
+ * the full implementation. Think of it like a table of contents.
+ *
+ * Q_OBJECT MACRO:
+ * ===============
+ * Any class that uses Qt's signals/slots MUST include Q_OBJECT at the top.
+ * This tells Qt's Meta-Object Compiler (MOC) to generate extra code that
+ * enables runtime introspection — Qt needs this for:
+ *   - Signal/slot connections
+ *   - Property system
+ *   - Dynamic casting with qobject_cast
+ *
+ * MOC reads this header, generates a moc_main_window.cpp file with the
+ * glue code, and the build system compiles it automatically (CMAKE_AUTOMOC).
+ */
+
+#ifndef MAIN_WINDOW_H
+#define MAIN_WINDOW_H
+// ^^^ "Include guard" — prevents this header from being included twice
+// in the same compilation unit, which would cause duplicate definition errors.
+
+#include <QMainWindow>
+
+// Forward declarations — tell the compiler these classes exist without
+// including their full headers. This speeds up compilation because we
+// only need the full definition in the .cpp file where we use them.
+// Think of it as saying "trust me, QTableWidget exists, I'll show you later."
+class QTableWidget;
+class QLineEdit;
+class QPushButton;
+class QComboBox;
+class QCheckBox;
+class QSpinBox;
+class QLabel;
+class QAction;
+
+/**
+ * MainWindow — The root window of the LIN Simulator.
+ *
+ * Inherits from QMainWindow which provides:
+ *   - Menu bar, toolbars, dock areas, status bar
+ *   - Central widget area
+ *
+ * PARENT-CHILD OWNERSHIP:
+ * All widgets created with `new Widget(parent)` are owned by their parent.
+ * When MainWindow is destroyed, it automatically destroys all children.
+ * This is why we use raw pointers (Widget*) without delete — Qt manages it.
+ */
+class MainWindow : public QMainWindow
+{
+    Q_OBJECT  // Required for signals/slots — MOC processes this
+
+public:
+    /**
+     * Constructor.
+     * @param parent  Parent widget (nullptr for top-level window).
+     *
+     * In Qt, every widget can have a parent. For the main window,
+     * parent is nullptr because it's the top-level window with no owner.
+     */
+    explicit MainWindow(QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+
+    // No destructor needed — Qt's parent-child system handles cleanup.
+    // All the pointers below are children of MainWindow and will be
+    // automatically deleted when MainWindow is destroyed.
+
+    // ── Public accessors for testing ──
+    // These let tests verify the widget tree without exposing internals.
+    // In Python we accessed attributes directly (window.tx_table).
+    // In C++ we use getter functions — this is idiomatic C++ encapsulation.
+    QTableWidget* txTable() const { return m_txTable; }
+    QTableWidget* rxTable() const { return m_rxTable; }
+    QLineEdit* ldfPathEdit() const { return m_ldfPathEdit; }
+    QPushButton* browseButton() const { return m_btnBrowse; }
+    QCheckBox* autoReloadCheck() const { return m_chkAutoReload; }
+    QComboBox* deviceCombo() const { return m_comboDevice; }
+    QPushButton* connectButton() const { return m_btnConnect; }
+    QPushButton* disconnectButton() const { return m_btnDisconnect; }
+    QLabel* connStatusLabel() const { return m_lblConnStatus; }
+    QLabel* baudRateLabel() const { return m_lblBaudRate; }
+    QLabel* deviceInfoLabel() const { return m_lblDeviceInfo; }
+    QComboBox* scheduleCombo() const { return m_comboSchedule; }
+    QSpinBox* globalRateSpin() const { return m_spinGlobalRate; }
+    QPushButton* startButton() const { return m_btnStart; }
+    QPushButton* stopButton() const { return m_btnStop; }
+    QPushButton* pauseButton() const { return m_btnPause; }
+    QPushButton* manualSendButton() const { return m_btnManualSend; }
+    QLabel* statusConnectionLabel() const { return m_lblStatusConnection; }
+    QAction* loadLdfAction() const { return m_actionLoadLdf; }
+
+private slots:
+    // ── Slots ──
+    // In C++, slots are declared in a special section. The `slots` keyword
+    // is a Qt macro that MOC processes. These are functions that can be
+    // connected to signals.
+    void onLoadLdf();
+    void onAbout();
+
+private:
+    // ── Setup methods ──
+    void createMenuBar();
+    void createLdfToolbar();
+    void createCentralWidget();
+    void createConnectionDock();
+    void createControlBar();
+    void createStatusBar();
+
+    // ── Helper methods ──
+    QTableWidget* createTxTable();
+    QTableWidget* createRxTable();
+
+    // ── Member variables ──
+    // Convention: m_ prefix for member variables (common in Qt/C++ codebases).
+    // All are raw pointers — Qt's parent-child system manages their lifetime.
+
+    // LDF toolbar
+    QLineEdit*   m_ldfPathEdit;
+    QPushButton* m_btnBrowse;
+    QCheckBox*   m_chkAutoReload;
+
+    // Central tables
+    QTableWidget* m_txTable;
+    QTableWidget* m_rxTable;
+
+    // Connection dock
+    QComboBox*   m_comboDevice;
+    QPushButton* m_btnRefresh;
+    QPushButton* m_btnConnect;
+    QPushButton* m_btnDisconnect;
+    QLabel*      m_lblConnStatus;
+    QLabel*      m_lblBaudRate;
+    QLabel*      m_lblDeviceInfo;
+
+    // Control bar
+    QComboBox*   m_comboSchedule;
+    QSpinBox*    m_spinGlobalRate;
+    QPushButton* m_btnStart;
+    QPushButton* m_btnStop;
+    QPushButton* m_btnPause;
+    QPushButton* m_btnManualSend;
+
+    // Status bar
+    QLabel*      m_lblStatusConnection;
+
+    // Actions
+    QAction*     m_actionLoadLdf;
+
+    // View menu (need to store to add dock toggle actions)
+    QMenu*       m_viewMenu;
+};
+
+#endif // MAIN_WINDOW_H
--- a/cpp/tests/test_main_window.cpp
+++ b/cpp/tests/test_main_window.cpp
@ -0,0 +1,278 @@
+/**
+ * test_main_window.cpp — Tests for the GUI skeleton (Step 1, C++).
+ *
+ * QTest FRAMEWORK:
+ * ================
+ * Qt provides its own test framework, QTest. It's simpler than GoogleTest
+ * but integrates perfectly with Qt's event loop and widget system.
+ *
+ * Key differences from pytest:
+ *   pytest:  assert window.windowTitle() == "..."
+ *   QTest:   QCOMPARE(window.windowTitle(), QString("..."))
+ *
+ * Test discovery:
+ *   - Each test class inherits QObject and has Q_OBJECT
+ *   - Test methods are private slots named test_*() or *_test()
+ *   - QTEST_MAIN() generates main() that runs all test slots
+ *
+ * QCOMPARE vs QVERIFY:
+ *   QVERIFY(condition)         — like assert condition
+ *   QCOMPARE(actual, expected) — like assert actual == expected, but prints both values on failure
+ */
+
+#include <QtTest/QtTest>
+#include <QDockWidget>
+#include <QTableWidget>
+#include <QSpinBox>
+#include <QLineEdit>
+#include <QPushButton>
+#include <QCheckBox>
+#include <QComboBox>
+#include <QLabel>
+#include "main_window.h"
+
+class TestMainWindow : public QObject
+{
+    Q_OBJECT
+
+private:
+    MainWindow* m_window;
+
+private slots:
+    // ── Setup/Teardown ──
+    // init() runs BEFORE each test, cleanup() runs AFTER each test.
+    // This gives each test a fresh MainWindow (like pytest fixtures).
+    void init()
+    {
+        m_window = new MainWindow();
+    }
+
+    void cleanup()
+    {
+        delete m_window;
+        m_window = nullptr;
+    }
+
+    // ─── Window Basics ────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_windowTitle()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->windowTitle(), QString("LIN Simulator"));
+    }
+
+    void test_minimumSize()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->minimumWidth() >= 1024);
+        QVERIFY(m_window->minimumHeight() >= 768);
+    }
+
+    void test_centralWidgetExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->centralWidget() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    // ─── Menu Bar ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_menuBarExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->menuBar() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_loadLdfActionExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->loadLdfAction() != nullptr);
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->loadLdfAction()->text(), QString("&Load LDF..."));
+    }
+
+    void test_loadLdfShortcut()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->loadLdfAction()->shortcut().toString(), QString("Ctrl+O"));
+    }
+
+    // ─── LDF Toolbar ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_ldfPathFieldExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->ldfPathEdit() != nullptr);
+        QVERIFY(m_window->ldfPathEdit()->isReadOnly());
+    }
+
+    void test_ldfPathPlaceholder()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->ldfPathEdit()->placeholderText(),
+                 QString("No LDF file loaded"));
+    }
+
+    void test_browseButtonExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->browseButton() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_autoReloadDefaultChecked()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->autoReloadCheck()->isChecked());
+    }
+
+    // ─── Tx Table ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_txTableExists()
+    {
+        auto* table = m_window->txTable();
+        QVERIFY(table != nullptr);
+        // qobject_cast is Qt's type-safe dynamic cast.
+        // Returns nullptr if the object isn't the expected type.
+        QVERIFY(qobject_cast<QTableWidget*>(table) != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_txTableColumns()
+    {
+        auto* table = m_window->txTable();
+        QCOMPARE(table->columnCount(), 7);
+
+        QStringList expected = {
+            "Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Length", "Interval (ms)",
+            "Data", "Signals", "Action"
+        };
+        for (int i = 0; i < table->columnCount(); ++i) {
+            QCOMPARE(table->horizontalHeaderItem(i)->text(), expected[i]);
+        }
+    }
+
+    void test_txTableAlternatingColors()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->txTable()->alternatingRowColors());
+    }
+
+    // ─── Rx Table ─────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_rxTableExists()
+    {
+        auto* table = m_window->rxTable();
+        QVERIFY(table != nullptr);
+        QVERIFY(qobject_cast<QTableWidget*>(table) != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_rxTableColumns()
+    {
+        auto* table = m_window->rxTable();
+        QCOMPARE(table->columnCount(), 5);
+
+        QStringList expected = {
+            "Timestamp", "Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Data", "Signals"
+        };
+        for (int i = 0; i < table->columnCount(); ++i) {
+            QCOMPARE(table->horizontalHeaderItem(i)->text(), expected[i]);
+        }
+    }
+
+    void test_rxTableNotEditable()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->rxTable()->editTriggers(),
+                 QAbstractItemView::NoEditTriggers);
+    }
+
+    // ─── Connection Dock ──────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_dockExists()
+    {
+        // findChildren<T>() searches the widget tree for all children of type T
+        auto docks = m_window->findChildren<QDockWidget*>();
+        QCOMPARE(docks.size(), 1);
+        QCOMPARE(docks[0]->windowTitle(), QString("Connection"));
+    }
+
+    void test_deviceComboExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->deviceCombo() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_connectButtonExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->connectButton() != nullptr);
+        QVERIFY(m_window->connectButton()->isEnabled());
+    }
+
+    void test_disconnectButtonDisabledInitially()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(!m_window->disconnectButton()->isEnabled());
+    }
+
+    void test_statusLabelShowsDisconnected()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->connStatusLabel()->text().contains("Disconnected"));
+    }
+
+    void test_baudRateLabelExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->baudRateLabel() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_baudRateShowsPlaceholderBeforeLdf()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->baudRateLabel()->text().contains("load LDF"));
+    }
+
+    // ─── Control Bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_scheduleComboExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->scheduleCombo() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_schedulerButtonsDisabledInitially()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(!m_window->startButton()->isEnabled());
+        QVERIFY(!m_window->stopButton()->isEnabled());
+        QVERIFY(!m_window->pauseButton()->isEnabled());
+    }
+
+    void test_manualSendDisabledInitially()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(!m_window->manualSendButton()->isEnabled());
+    }
+
+    void test_globalRateSpinboxExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->globalRateSpin() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_globalRateDefault50ms()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->globalRateSpin()->value(), 50);
+    }
+
+    void test_globalRateRange()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->globalRateSpin()->minimum(), 1);
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->globalRateSpin()->maximum(), 10000);
+    }
+
+    void test_globalRateSuffix()
+    {
+        QCOMPARE(m_window->globalRateSpin()->suffix(), QString(" ms"));
+    }
+
+    // ─── Status Bar ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    void test_statusBarExists()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->statusBar() != nullptr);
+    }
+
+    void test_connectionStatusLabel()
+    {
+        QVERIFY(m_window->statusConnectionLabel()->text().contains("Disconnected"));
+    }
+};
+
+// QTEST_MAIN generates a main() function that:
+//   1. Creates a QApplication
+//   2. Instantiates TestMainWindow
+//   3. Runs all private slots as test cases
+//   4. Reports results
+QTEST_MAIN(TestMainWindow)
+
+// This #include is required when the test class is defined in a .cpp file
+// (not a .h file). It includes the MOC-generated code for our Q_OBJECT class.
+// Without it, the linker would fail with "undefined reference to vtable".
+#include "test_main_window.moc"
--- a/docs/step1_gui_skeleton.md
+++ b/docs/step1_gui_skeleton.md
@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+# Step 1 — GUI Skeleton
+
+## What Was Built
+
+The main window layout for the LIN Master Simulator using PyQt6 (Python).
+
+## Architecture
+
+```
+MainWindow (QMainWindow)
+├── Menu Bar
+│   ├── File → Load LDF... (Ctrl+O), Exit (Ctrl+Q)
+│   └── View → Toggle Connection panel
+├── LDF Toolbar (top, fixed)
+│   ├── LDF File path (read-only QLineEdit)
+│   ├── Browse button → opens file dialog
+│   └── Auto-reload checkbox (default: on)
+├── Central Widget
+│   └── QSplitter (vertical, resizable)
+│       ├── Tx Panel (QGroupBox)
+│       │   └── QTableWidget: Frame Name | Frame ID | Length | Interval (ms) | Data | Signals | Action
+│       └── Rx Panel (QGroupBox)
+│           └── QTableWidget: Timestamp | Frame Name | Frame ID | Data | Signals
+├── Connection Dock (QDockWidget, left side, detachable)
+│   ├── Device dropdown + Refresh button
+│   ├── Baud Rate label (read-only, auto-detected from LDF's LIN_speed field)
+│   ├── Connect / Disconnect buttons
+│   ├── Status label (red "Disconnected")
+│   └── Device info label
+├── Control Bar (bottom toolbar, fixed)
+│   ├── Schedule table dropdown
+│   ├── Global Rate (ms) spinbox (1-10000ms, default 50ms)
+│   ├── Start / Stop / Pause buttons (disabled)
+│   └── Send Selected Frame button (disabled)
+└── Status Bar
+    ├── Temporary messages (left)
+    └── Connection indicator (right, permanent)
+```
+
+## Send Rate Hierarchy
+When the scheduler runs, each frame's send interval is determined by priority:
+1. **Per-frame interval** (Tx table "Interval (ms)" column) — highest priority, user override
+2. **Global send rate** (Control bar spinbox) — default fallback for frames with no per-frame interval
+3. **LDF schedule table** — auto-fills per-frame intervals when LDF is loaded
+
+## Key Concepts Introduced
+
+### PyQt6 Widget Tree
+Every visible element is a QWidget. Widgets contain other widgets via layouts.
+The root widget is QMainWindow which provides menu, toolbars, dock areas, and status bar for free.
+
+### Layouts
+- **QVBoxLayout**: stacks widgets vertically
+- **QHBoxLayout**: stacks widgets horizontally
+- **QSplitter**: like a layout but with a draggable divider
+
+### Signals & Slots
+Qt's event system. A signal (e.g., `button.clicked`) connects to a slot (any Python function).
+Example: `self.btn_browse_ldf.clicked.connect(self._on_load_ldf)`
+
+### QDockWidget
+A panel that can be dragged to any window edge, floated, or hidden.
+Used for the Connection panel so users can maximize table space during monitoring.
+
+### Initial Widget States
+Controls that require prerequisites (LDF loaded, device connected) start **disabled**.
+This prevents users from triggering actions that would fail. We enable them as preconditions are met.
+
+## Files
+
+| File | Purpose |
+|------|---------|
+| `python/src/main.py` | Application entry point — creates QApplication, shows MainWindow |
+| `python/src/main_window.py` | MainWindow class — all panel creation and layout |
+| `python/tests/test_main_window.py` | 26 tests verifying widget tree structure and initial states |
+
+## Running
+
+```bash
+# Launch the GUI
+cd python/src && python main.py
+
+# Run tests
+cd python && python -m pytest tests/test_main_window.py -v
+```
+
+## Test Results
+- 32 tests, all passing
+- Tests cover: window properties, menu bar, toolbar, Tx/Rx tables (incl. Interval column), connection dock (incl. baud rate label), control bar (incl. global rate), status bar
--- a/python/requirements.txt
+++ b/python/requirements.txt
@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+PyQt6>=6.5.0
+pytest>=7.0.0
--- a/python/src/init.py
+++ b/python/src/init.py
--- a/python/src/main.py
+++ b/python/src/main.py
@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+"""
+main.py — Application entry point for the LIN Simulator.
+
+HOW A PyQt6 APPLICATION STARTS:
+================================
+
+Every Qt application needs exactly ONE QApplication instance. This object:
+  1. Manages the event loop (listens for mouse clicks, key presses, timers, etc.)
+  2. Holds application-wide settings (style, font, etc.)
+  3. Routes events to the correct widget
+
+The event loop is the core of any GUI application:
+
+    ┌─────────────────────────────┐
+    │     app.exec() starts       │
+    │     the EVENT LOOP          │
+    │                             │
+    │  ┌───────────────────────┐  │
+    │  │ Wait for event        │◄─┼── Mouse click, key press,
+    │  │ (blocking)            │  │   timer tick, signal, etc.
+    │  ├───────────────────────┤  │
+    │  │ Dispatch event to     │  │
+    │  │ correct widget        │──┼── Widget processes it
+    │  ├───────────────────────┤  │
+    │  │ Widget emits signals  │  │
+    │  │ → connected slots run │  │
+    │  └───────┬───────────────┘  │
+    │          │ loop back        │
+    │          └──────────────────│
+    │                             │
+    │  Loop exits when last       │
+    │  window is closed           │
+    └─────────────────────────────┘
+
+sys.exit(app.exec()) ensures the process exit code matches
+Qt's exit code (0 = normal, non-zero = error).
+"""
+
+import sys
+from pathlib import Path
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import QApplication
+from PyQt6.QtGui import QIcon
+from main_window import MainWindow
+
+
+def main():
+    # Step 1: Create the application object.
+    # sys.argv is passed so Qt can process command-line arguments
+    # like --style, --platform, etc.
+    app = QApplication(sys.argv)
+
+    # Optional: set application metadata (used by OS for window grouping, etc.)
+    app.setApplicationName("LIN Simulator")
+    app.setOrganizationName("TeqanyLogix LTD")
+
+    # Set application icon — used in the taskbar, window title bar, and dock.
+    # Path resolves relative to this script's location: src/ → ../../resources/
+    icon_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent / "resources" / "logo.png"
+    if icon_path.exists():
+        app.setWindowIcon(QIcon(str(icon_path)))
+
+    # Step 2: Create and show the main window.
+    # show() makes it visible — without this call, the window exists but is hidden.
+    window = MainWindow()
+    window.show()
+
+    # Step 3: Enter the event loop.
+    # This call BLOCKS until the application exits (all windows closed).
+    # sys.exit() ensures the process returns Qt's exit code to the OS.
+    sys.exit(app.exec())
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    main()
--- a/python/src/main_window.py
+++ b/python/src/main_window.py
@ -0,0 +1,547 @@
+"""
+main_window.py — The root window of the LIN Simulator.
+
+ARCHITECTURE OVERVIEW:
+======================
+QMainWindow is Qt's specialized top-level window. Unlike a plain QWidget,
+it has built-in support for:
+  - Menu bar (File, Edit, Help menus)
+  - Toolbars (icon buttons at the top)
+  - Dock widgets (panels that can float or snap to edges)
+  - Status bar (info text at the bottom)
+  - Central widget (the main content area)
+
+Our layout strategy:
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│  Menu Bar (File > Load LDF, Exit)               │
+├─────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
+│  LDF Toolbar: [path field] [Browse] [Auto-reload indicator] │
+├──────────┬──────────────────────────────────────┤
+│          │  Tx Panel (QGroupBox)                │
+│ Connect  │    QTableWidget (frames/signals)     │
+│ Panel    │──────────────────────────────────────│
+│ (Dock)   │  Rx Panel (QGroupBox)                │
+│          │    QTableWidget (timestamp/frames)   │
+├──────────┴──────────────────────────────────────┤
+│  Control Bar: [Start] [Stop] [Send] | Status    │
+└─────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
+
+The Connection Panel is a QDockWidget — meaning the user can:
+  - Drag it to any edge of the window
+  - Undock it to a floating window
+  - Close/reopen it from the View menu
+This is useful because during normal operation you might want more
+space for Tx/Rx tables and hide the connection panel.
+"""
+
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import (
+    QMainWindow,       # The root window class
+    QWidget,           # Base class for all UI objects
+    QVBoxLayout,       # Arranges widgets vertically (top to bottom)
+    QHBoxLayout,       # Arranges widgets horizontally (left to right)
+    QSplitter,         # Resizable divider between two widgets
+    QGroupBox,         # Labeled border around a group of widgets
+    QTableWidget,      # Table with rows and columns
+    QHeaderView,       # Controls table header behavior (resize modes)
+    QDockWidget,       # Detachable/dockable panel
+    QToolBar,          # Row of tool buttons/widgets
+    QStatusBar,        # Bottom info bar
+    QLabel,            # Static text display
+    QLineEdit,         # Single-line text input
+    QPushButton,       # Clickable button
+    QComboBox,         # Dropdown selector
+    QCheckBox,         # Checkbox toggle
+    QSpinBox,          # Numeric input with up/down arrows
+    QFileDialog,       # OS-native file picker dialog
+    QMessageBox,       # Modal dialog for messages (info, warning, about)
+)
+from PyQt6.QtCore import Qt, QSize
+from PyQt6.QtGui import QAction
+
+
+class MainWindow(QMainWindow):
+    """
+    The main application window.
+
+    QMainWindow provides the framework — we fill in the content by:
+    1. Setting up the menu bar       → _create_menu_bar()
+    2. Setting up the LDF toolbar    → _create_ldf_toolbar()
+    3. Creating the central widget   → _create_central_widget()
+    4. Adding the connection dock     → _create_connection_dock()
+    5. Adding the control bar         → _create_control_bar()
+    6. Setting up the status bar      → _create_status_bar()
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self):
+        # super().__init__() calls QMainWindow's constructor.
+        # This is required — Qt needs to initialize its internal C++ object.
+        super().__init__()
+
+        # Window properties
+        self.setWindowTitle("LIN Simulator")
+        self.setMinimumSize(QSize(1024, 768))  # Minimum usable size
+
+        # Build the UI in logical order
+        self._create_menu_bar()
+        self._create_ldf_toolbar()
+        self._create_central_widget()
+        self._create_connection_dock()
+        self._create_control_bar()
+        self._create_status_bar()
+
+    # ─── Menu Bar ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_menu_bar(self):
+        """
+        Menu bar sits at the very top of the window (or macOS system bar).
+
+        QAction represents a single menu item. It can have:
+          - Text ("Load LDF...")
+          - Shortcut (Ctrl+O)
+          - A connected slot (function to call when triggered)
+
+        We use QAction so the same action can appear in both the menu
+        AND a toolbar button, sharing the same shortcut and behavior.
+        """
+        menu_bar = self.menuBar()  # QMainWindow provides this built-in
+
+        # ── File menu ──
+        file_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("&File")
+        # The '&' before 'F' makes it an Alt+F keyboard accelerator
+
+        # Load LDF action
+        self.action_load_ldf = QAction("&Load LDF...", self)
+        self.action_load_ldf.setShortcut("Ctrl+O")
+        self.action_load_ldf.setStatusTip("Load a LIN Description File")
+        self.action_load_ldf.triggered.connect(self._on_load_ldf)
+        file_menu.addAction(self.action_load_ldf)
+
+        file_menu.addSeparator()  # Visual divider line
+
+        # Exit action
+        action_exit = QAction("E&xit", self)
+        action_exit.setShortcut("Ctrl+Q")
+        action_exit.triggered.connect(self.close)  # close() is built into QMainWindow
+        file_menu.addAction(action_exit)
+
+        # ── View menu ── (will be used to toggle dock widget visibility)
+        self.view_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("&View")
+
+        # ── Help menu ──
+        help_menu = menu_bar.addMenu("&Help")
+
+        action_about = QAction("&About", self)
+        action_about.triggered.connect(self._on_about)
+        help_menu.addAction(action_about)
+
+    # ─── LDF Toolbar ───────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_ldf_toolbar(self):
+        """
+        Toolbar for LDF file management.
+
+        QToolBar is a horizontal bar that can hold widgets (not just buttons).
+        We add a QLineEdit to show the file path and a browse button.
+
+        The auto-reload checkbox uses QFileSystemWatcher (added in Step 2)
+        to detect when the LDF file changes on disk and automatically re-parse it.
+        """
+        toolbar = QToolBar("LDF File")
+        toolbar.setMovable(False)  # Keep it fixed at the top
+        self.addToolBar(toolbar)
+
+        toolbar.addWidget(QLabel("  LDF File: "))
+
+        # Path display — read-only, shows the currently loaded file path
+        self.ldf_path_edit = QLineEdit()
+        self.ldf_path_edit.setReadOnly(True)
+        self.ldf_path_edit.setPlaceholderText("No LDF file loaded")
+        self.ldf_path_edit.setMinimumWidth(300)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.ldf_path_edit)
+
+        # Browse button — opens a file dialog
+        self.btn_browse_ldf = QPushButton("Browse...")
+        self.btn_browse_ldf.clicked.connect(self._on_load_ldf)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.btn_browse_ldf)
+
+        # Auto-reload toggle
+        self.chk_auto_reload = QCheckBox("Auto-reload")
+        self.chk_auto_reload.setChecked(True)  # On by default
+        self.chk_auto_reload.setToolTip(
+            "Automatically reload the LDF file when it changes on disk"
+        )
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.chk_auto_reload)
+
+    # ─── Central Widget (Tx + Rx Panels) ──────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_central_widget(self):
+        """
+        The central widget is the main content area of QMainWindow.
+
+        We use a QSplitter to divide it into Tx (top) and Rx (bottom) panels.
+        QSplitter lets the user drag the divider to resize the panels.
+
+        Layout hierarchy:
+          QWidget (central)
+            └── QVBoxLayout
+                 └── QSplitter (vertical)
+                      ├── QGroupBox "Tx Frames (Master → Slave)"
+                      │    └── QVBoxLayout
+                      │         └── QTableWidget
+                      └── QGroupBox "Rx Frames (Slave → Master)"
+                           └── QVBoxLayout
+                                └── QTableWidget
+        """
+        central = QWidget()
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(central)
+        # setContentsMargins(left, top, right, bottom) — padding around the layout
+        layout.setContentsMargins(4, 4, 4, 4)
+
+        # QSplitter orientation: Vertical means the divider is horizontal
+        # (widgets stack top/bottom). This is a common source of confusion!
+        splitter = QSplitter(Qt.Orientation.Vertical)
+
+        # ── Tx Panel ──
+        tx_group = QGroupBox("Tx Frames (Master → Slave)")
+        tx_layout = QVBoxLayout(tx_group)
+        self.tx_table = self._create_tx_table()
+        tx_layout.addWidget(self.tx_table)
+        splitter.addWidget(tx_group)
+
+        # ── Rx Panel ──
+        rx_group = QGroupBox("Rx Frames (Slave → Master)")
+        rx_layout = QVBoxLayout(rx_group)
+        self.rx_table = self._create_rx_table()
+        rx_layout.addWidget(self.rx_table)
+        splitter.addWidget(rx_group)
+
+        # Set initial size ratio: 50% Tx, 50% Rx
+        # setSizes() takes pixel heights — these are proportional when the window resizes
+        splitter.setSizes([400, 400])
+
+        layout.addWidget(splitter)
+        self.setCentralWidget(central)
+
+    def _create_tx_table(self):
+        """
+        Create the Tx (transmit) frames table.
+
+        QTableWidget is a ready-to-use table. For our Tx panel:
+          - Frame Name:    LIN frame identifier (e.g., "BCM_Command")
+          - Frame ID:      Hex ID (e.g., 0x3C)
+          - Length:        Data bytes count (1-8)
+          - Interval (ms): Per-frame send rate in milliseconds. Overrides the
+                           global rate. Auto-filled from LDF schedule table
+                           slot delays, but user can edit for testing.
+          - Data:          Raw hex bytes (e.g., "FF 00 A3 00 00 00 00 00")
+          - Signals:       Decoded signal summary (filled in Step 3)
+          - Action:        Send button per row (filled in Step 3)
+
+        QHeaderView.ResizeMode controls how columns resize:
+          - Stretch: fills available space (good for Data/Signals)
+          - ResizeToContents: fits the content width (good for ID/Length)
+        """
+        table = QTableWidget()
+        table.setColumnCount(7)
+        table.setHorizontalHeaderLabels(
+            ["Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Length", "Interval (ms)",
+             "Data", "Signals", "Action"]
+        )
+
+        # Configure header resize behavior
+        header = table.horizontalHeader()
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Frame Name
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # ID
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(2, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # Length
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(3, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # Interval
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(4, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Data
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(5, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Signals
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(6, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # Action
+
+        # Alternating row colors improve readability
+        table.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
+
+        # Select entire rows, not individual cells
+        table.setSelectionBehavior(
+            QTableWidget.SelectionBehavior.SelectRows
+        )
+
+        return table
+
+    def _create_rx_table(self):
+        """
+        Create the Rx (receive) frames table.
+
+        Similar to Tx but with a Timestamp column and no Action column.
+        The Timestamp shows when each frame was received — critical for
+        debugging LIN bus timing issues.
+
+        In Step 4, this table will auto-scroll as new frames arrive
+        and support pausing/resuming the scroll.
+        """
+        table = QTableWidget()
+        table.setColumnCount(5)
+        table.setHorizontalHeaderLabels(
+            ["Timestamp", "Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Data", "Signals"]
+        )
+
+        header = table.horizontalHeader()
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(0, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # Timestamp
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(1, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Frame Name
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(2, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.ResizeToContents)  # ID
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(3, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Data
+        header.setSectionResizeMode(4, QHeaderView.ResizeMode.Stretch)       # Signals
+
+        table.setAlternatingRowColors(True)
+        table.setSelectionBehavior(
+            QTableWidget.SelectionBehavior.SelectRows
+        )
+
+        # Rx table is read-only — user can't edit received data
+        table.setEditTriggers(QTableWidget.EditTrigger.NoEditTriggers)
+
+        return table
+
+    # ─── Connection Dock Widget ────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_connection_dock(self):
+        """
+        Connection panel as a QDockWidget.
+
+        QDockWidget is special — it can:
+          1. Dock to any edge (left/right/top/bottom) of the main window
+          2. Float as a separate window
+          3. Be closed and reopened from the View menu
+
+        This makes the UI flexible: during setup, the user needs the
+        connection panel visible. During monitoring, they can hide it
+        to maximize table space.
+
+        Layout inside the dock:
+          QWidget (container)
+            └── QVBoxLayout
+                 ├── QLabel "Device:"
+                 ├── QHBoxLayout
+                 │    ├── QComboBox (device list)
+                 │    └── QPushButton "Refresh"
+                 ├── QLabel "Baud Rate:"
+                 ├── QComboBox (9600, 19200, 20000 + editable for custom)
+                 ├── QHBoxLayout
+                 │    ├── QPushButton "Connect"
+                 │    └── QPushButton "Disconnect"
+                 ├── QLabel "Status: Disconnected"
+                 └── QLabel "Device Info: —"
+        """
+        dock = QDockWidget("Connection", self)
+
+        # Allow docking on left and right edges only
+        dock.setAllowedAreas(
+            Qt.DockWidgetArea.LeftDockWidgetArea
+            | Qt.DockWidgetArea.RightDockWidgetArea
+        )
+
+        # Build the dock's content
+        container = QWidget()
+        layout = QVBoxLayout(container)
+
+        # ── Device selection ──
+        layout.addWidget(QLabel("Device:"))
+
+        device_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.combo_device = QComboBox()
+        self.combo_device.setPlaceholderText("Select device...")
+        self.combo_device.setMinimumWidth(150)
+        device_row.addWidget(self.combo_device)
+
+        self.btn_refresh = QPushButton("Refresh")
+        self.btn_refresh.setToolTip("Scan for connected BabyLIN devices")
+        device_row.addWidget(self.btn_refresh)
+        layout.addLayout(device_row)
+
+        # ── Baud rate display (read-only) ──
+        # LIN bus speed is defined in the LDF file's LIN_speed field.
+        # This is NOT user-editable — it's extracted from the LDF when loaded
+        # (Step 2). The BabyLIN device must be configured to match this rate.
+        # Shows "—" until an LDF is loaded.
+        layout.addWidget(QLabel("Baud Rate:"))
+        self.lbl_baud_rate = QLabel("— (load LDF)")
+        self.lbl_baud_rate.setStyleSheet("font-weight: bold;")
+        self.lbl_baud_rate.setToolTip(
+            "LIN bus baud rate — automatically detected from the LDF file"
+        )
+        layout.addWidget(self.lbl_baud_rate)
+
+        # ── Connect / Disconnect buttons ──
+        btn_row = QHBoxLayout()
+        self.btn_connect = QPushButton("Connect")
+        self.btn_disconnect = QPushButton("Disconnect")
+        self.btn_disconnect.setEnabled(False)  # Disabled until connected
+        btn_row.addWidget(self.btn_connect)
+        btn_row.addWidget(self.btn_disconnect)
+        layout.addLayout(btn_row)
+
+        # ── Status display ──
+        self.lbl_conn_status = QLabel("Status: Disconnected")
+        self.lbl_conn_status.setStyleSheet("color: red; font-weight: bold;")
+        layout.addWidget(self.lbl_conn_status)
+
+        # ── Device info ──
+        self.lbl_device_info = QLabel("Device Info: —")
+        layout.addWidget(self.lbl_device_info)
+
+        # Push everything to the top, remaining space below
+        layout.addStretch()
+
+        dock.setWidget(container)
+
+        # Add dock to the LEFT side of the main window
+        self.addDockWidget(Qt.DockWidgetArea.LeftDockWidgetArea, dock)
+
+        # Add a toggle action to the View menu so user can show/hide this panel
+        self.view_menu.addAction(dock.toggleViewAction())
+
+    # ─── Control Bar (Bottom Toolbar) ──────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_control_bar(self):
+        """
+        Bottom toolbar with scheduler and manual send controls.
+
+        We use addToolBar with Qt.ToolBarArea.BottomToolBarArea to place
+        this at the bottom of the window. It contains:
+          - Schedule table selector
+          - Global send rate (default interval for all frames)
+          - Start/Stop/Pause buttons for the scheduler
+          - A manual "Send Frame" button
+
+        SEND RATE HIERARCHY:
+          1. Per-frame interval (Tx table "Interval (ms)" column) — highest priority
+          2. Global send rate (this toolbar's spinbox) — default fallback
+          3. LDF schedule table slot delays — auto-fill source for per-frame
+
+        In Step 7, the scheduler will use QTimer to periodically send
+        frames according to the selected schedule table from the LDF.
+        """
+        toolbar = QToolBar("Controls")
+        toolbar.setMovable(False)
+        self.addToolBar(Qt.ToolBarArea.BottomToolBarArea, toolbar)
+
+        # ── Schedule table selector ──
+        toolbar.addWidget(QLabel("  Schedule: "))
+        self.combo_schedule = QComboBox()
+        self.combo_schedule.setPlaceholderText("No schedule loaded")
+        self.combo_schedule.setMinimumWidth(200)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.combo_schedule)
+
+        toolbar.addSeparator()
+
+        # ── Global send rate ──
+        # QSpinBox provides a numeric input with up/down arrows and
+        # min/max/step constraints. This sets the default interval (in ms)
+        # between frame transmissions. Individual frames can override this
+        # via the "Interval (ms)" column in the Tx table.
+        #
+        # Range: 1ms to 10000ms (10 seconds)
+        #   - 10ms  = 100 frames/sec (aggressive, for stress testing)
+        #   - 50ms  = 20 frames/sec (typical LIN schedule)
+        #   - 100ms = 10 frames/sec (relaxed)
+        toolbar.addWidget(QLabel("  Global Rate (ms): "))
+        self.spin_global_rate = QSpinBox()
+        self.spin_global_rate.setRange(1, 10000)
+        self.spin_global_rate.setValue(50)        # 50ms default = 20 frames/sec
+        self.spin_global_rate.setSingleStep(10)   # Up/down arrows change by 10ms
+        self.spin_global_rate.setSuffix(" ms")    # Display "50 ms" in the box
+        self.spin_global_rate.setToolTip(
+            "Default send interval for all frames. "
+            "Per-frame intervals in the Tx table override this."
+        )
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.spin_global_rate)
+
+        toolbar.addSeparator()
+
+        # ── Scheduler controls ──
+        self.btn_start = QPushButton("▶ Start")
+        self.btn_stop = QPushButton("■ Stop")
+        self.btn_pause = QPushButton("⏸ Pause")
+
+        # Initially disabled — enabled when LDF is loaded and device connected
+        self.btn_start.setEnabled(False)
+        self.btn_stop.setEnabled(False)
+        self.btn_pause.setEnabled(False)
+
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.btn_start)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.btn_stop)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.btn_pause)
+
+        toolbar.addSeparator()
+
+        # ── Manual send ──
+        self.btn_manual_send = QPushButton("Send Selected Frame")
+        self.btn_manual_send.setEnabled(False)
+        toolbar.addWidget(self.btn_manual_send)
+
+    # ─── Status Bar ────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _create_status_bar(self):
+        """
+        Status bar at the very bottom of the window.
+
+        QStatusBar can show:
+          - Temporary messages (disappear after a timeout)
+          - Permanent widgets (always visible, e.g., connection indicator)
+
+        We add a permanent label on the right side for the connection state,
+        and use showMessage() for transient feedback like "LDF loaded successfully".
+        """
+        status_bar = QStatusBar()
+        self.setStatusBar(status_bar)
+
+        # Permanent connection status on the right side
+        self.lbl_status_connection = QLabel("● Disconnected")
+        self.lbl_status_connection.setStyleSheet("color: red;")
+        status_bar.addPermanentWidget(self.lbl_status_connection)
+
+        # Show initial message
+        status_bar.showMessage("Ready — Load an LDF file to begin", 5000)
+        # 5000 = message disappears after 5 seconds
+
+    # ─── Slot: Load LDF ───────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_load_ldf(self):
+        """
+        Slot connected to the Load LDF action and Browse button.
+
+        QFileDialog.getOpenFileName() opens the OS-native file picker.
+        It returns a tuple: (file_path, selected_filter).
+        If the user cancels, file_path is an empty string.
+
+        The actual parsing happens in Step 2 — for now we just show
+        the selected path.
+        """
+        file_path, _ = QFileDialog.getOpenFileName(
+            self,                              # Parent window
+            "Open LIN Description File",       # Dialog title
+            "",                                # Starting directory (empty = last used)
+            "LDF Files (*.ldf);;All Files (*)" # File type filters
+        )
+
+        if file_path:
+            self.ldf_path_edit.setText(file_path)
+            self.statusBar().showMessage(f"LDF file selected: {file_path}", 3000)
+
+    # ─── Slot: About ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+    def _on_about(self):
+        """Show the About dialog with ownership and developer information."""
+        QMessageBox.about(
+            self,
+            "About LIN Simulator",
+            "<h2>LIN Simulator</h2>"
+            "<p>Version 0.1.0</p>"
+            "<p>A cross-platform tool for simulating LIN master nodes "
+            "using BabyLIN devices.</p>"
+            "<hr>"
+            "<p><b>Owner:</b> TeqanyLogix LTD</p>"
+            "<p><b>Developer:</b> Mohamed Salem</p>"
+            "<hr>"
+            "<p>&copy; 2026 TeqanyLogix LTD. All rights reserved.</p>"
+        )
--- a/python/tests/init.py
+++ b/python/tests/init.py
--- a/python/tests/test_main_window.py
+++ b/python/tests/test_main_window.py
@ -0,0 +1,207 @@
+"""
+test_main_window.py — Tests for the GUI skeleton (Step 1).
+
+TESTING PyQt6 APPLICATIONS:
+============================
+GUI testing has a challenge: Qt widgets need a running QApplication.
+We use a pytest fixture to create ONE QApplication for the entire test session.
+
+Key things we verify:
+  1. Window creates without errors
+  2. All panels exist and are the correct widget types
+  3. Tables have the right columns
+  4. Buttons and controls are in the expected initial state
+  5. Window has a reasonable minimum size
+
+We do NOT test visual appearance (that's manual testing).
+We DO test that the widget tree is correctly assembled.
+"""
+
+import sys
+import pytest
+
+# Add src to path so we can import our modules
+sys.path.insert(0, str(__import__("pathlib").Path(__file__).parent.parent / "src"))
+
+from PyQt6.QtWidgets import QApplication, QDockWidget, QTableWidget
+from PyQt6.QtCore import Qt
+
+
+# ─── Fixtures ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Fixtures are pytest's way of providing shared setup. The "session" scope
+# means this QApplication is created once and reused across ALL tests.
+
+@pytest.fixture(scope="session")
+def app():
+    """Create a QApplication instance for the test session."""
+    application = QApplication.instance() or QApplication(sys.argv)
+    yield application
+
+
+@pytest.fixture
+def window(app):
+    """Create a fresh MainWindow for each test."""
+    from main_window import MainWindow
+    w = MainWindow()
+    yield w
+    w.close()
+
+
+# ─── Tests ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+class TestWindowBasics:
+    """Test that the window initializes correctly."""
+
+    def test_window_title(self, window):
+        assert window.windowTitle() == "LIN Simulator"
+
+    def test_minimum_size(self, window):
+        assert window.minimumWidth() >= 1024
+        assert window.minimumHeight() >= 768
+
+    def test_central_widget_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.centralWidget() is not None
+
+
+class TestMenuBar:
+    """Test menu bar structure."""
+
+    def test_menu_bar_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.menuBar() is not None
+
+    def test_load_ldf_action_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.action_load_ldf is not None
+        assert window.action_load_ldf.text() == "&Load LDF..."
+
+    def test_load_ldf_shortcut(self, window):
+        assert window.action_load_ldf.shortcut().toString() == "Ctrl+O"
+
+
+class TestLdfToolbar:
+    """Test the LDF file toolbar."""
+
+    def test_ldf_path_field_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.ldf_path_edit is not None
+        assert window.ldf_path_edit.isReadOnly()
+
+    def test_ldf_path_placeholder(self, window):
+        assert window.ldf_path_edit.placeholderText() == "No LDF file loaded"
+
+    def test_browse_button_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.btn_browse_ldf is not None
+
+    def test_auto_reload_default_checked(self, window):
+        assert window.chk_auto_reload.isChecked()
+
+
+class TestTxTable:
+    """Test the Tx (transmit) table structure."""
+
+    def test_tx_table_exists(self, window):
+        assert isinstance(window.tx_table, QTableWidget)
+
+    def test_tx_table_columns(self, window):
+        assert window.tx_table.columnCount() == 7
+        headers = []
+        for i in range(window.tx_table.columnCount()):
+            headers.append(window.tx_table.horizontalHeaderItem(i).text())
+        assert headers == [
+            "Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Length", "Interval (ms)",
+            "Data", "Signals", "Action"
+        ]
+
+    def test_tx_table_alternating_colors(self, window):
+        assert window.tx_table.alternatingRowColors()
+
+
+class TestRxTable:
+    """Test the Rx (receive) table structure."""
+
+    def test_rx_table_exists(self, window):
+        assert isinstance(window.rx_table, QTableWidget)
+
+    def test_rx_table_columns(self, window):
+        assert window.rx_table.columnCount() == 5
+        headers = []
+        for i in range(window.rx_table.columnCount()):
+            headers.append(window.rx_table.horizontalHeaderItem(i).text())
+        assert headers == ["Timestamp", "Frame Name", "Frame ID", "Data", "Signals"]
+
+    def test_rx_table_not_editable(self, window):
+        """Rx table should be read-only — users can't edit received data."""
+        assert (
+            window.rx_table.editTriggers()
+            == QTableWidget.EditTrigger.NoEditTriggers
+        )
+
+
+class TestConnectionDock:
+    """Test the connection panel dock widget."""
+
+    def test_dock_exists(self, window):
+        docks = window.findChildren(QDockWidget)
+        assert len(docks) == 1
+        assert docks[0].windowTitle() == "Connection"
+
+    def test_device_combo_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.combo_device is not None
+
+    def test_connect_button_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.btn_connect is not None
+        assert window.btn_connect.isEnabled()
+
+    def test_disconnect_button_disabled_initially(self, window):
+        """Disconnect should be disabled when no device is connected."""
+        assert not window.btn_disconnect.isEnabled()
+
+    def test_status_label_shows_disconnected(self, window):
+        assert "Disconnected" in window.lbl_conn_status.text()
+
+    def test_baud_rate_label_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.lbl_baud_rate is not None
+
+    def test_baud_rate_shows_placeholder_before_ldf(self, window):
+        """Before loading an LDF, baud rate should show a placeholder."""
+        assert "load LDF" in window.lbl_baud_rate.text()
+
+
+class TestControlBar:
+    """Test the bottom control toolbar."""
+
+    def test_schedule_combo_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.combo_schedule is not None
+
+    def test_scheduler_buttons_disabled_initially(self, window):
+        """Start/Stop/Pause should be disabled until LDF loaded + connected."""
+        assert not window.btn_start.isEnabled()
+        assert not window.btn_stop.isEnabled()
+        assert not window.btn_pause.isEnabled()
+
+    def test_manual_send_disabled_initially(self, window):
+        assert not window.btn_manual_send.isEnabled()
+
+    def test_global_rate_spinbox_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.spin_global_rate is not None
+
+    def test_global_rate_default_50ms(self, window):
+        """50ms default = ~20 frames/sec, typical LIN schedule speed."""
+        assert window.spin_global_rate.value() == 50
+
+    def test_global_rate_range(self, window):
+        """Range should be 1ms (fast stress test) to 10000ms (very slow)."""
+        assert window.spin_global_rate.minimum() == 1
+        assert window.spin_global_rate.maximum() == 10000
+
+    def test_global_rate_suffix(self, window):
+        """Should display the unit 'ms' in the spinbox."""
+        assert window.spin_global_rate.suffix() == " ms"
+
+
+class TestStatusBar:
+    """Test the status bar."""
+
+    def test_status_bar_exists(self, window):
+        assert window.statusBar() is not None
+
+    def test_connection_status_label(self, window):
+        assert "Disconnected" in window.lbl_status_connection.text()
--- a/resources/logo.png
+++ b/resources/logo.png
--- a/resources/logo.svg
+++ b/resources/logo.svg
@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512" width="512" height="512">
+  <defs>
+    <!-- Gradient for the main circle background -->
+    <linearGradient id="bgGrad" x1="0%" y1="0%" x2="100%" y2="100%">
+      <stop offset="0%" style="stop-color:#1a237e;stop-opacity:1" />
+      <stop offset="100%" style="stop-color:#0d47a1;stop-opacity:1" />
+    </linearGradient>
+    <!-- Gradient for the LIN waveform glow -->
+    <linearGradient id="waveGrad" x1="0%" y1="0%" x2="100%" y2="0%">
+      <stop offset="0%" style="stop-color:#00e676;stop-opacity:1" />
+      <stop offset="50%" style="stop-color:#69f0ae;stop-opacity:1" />
+      <stop offset="100%" style="stop-color:#00e676;stop-opacity:1" />
+    </linearGradient>
+    <!-- Glow filter for the waveform -->
+    <filter id="glow" x="-20%" y="-20%" width="140%" height="140%">
+      <feGaussianBlur stdDeviation="4" result="blur"/>
+      <feMerge>
+        <feMergeNode in="blur"/>
+        <feMergeNode in="SourceGraphic"/>
+      </feMerge>
+    </filter>
+    <!-- Subtle shadow for the circle -->
+    <filter id="shadow" x="-10%" y="-10%" width="120%" height="130%">
+      <feDropShadow dx="0" dy="4" stdDeviation="8" flood-color="#000" flood-opacity="0.3"/>
+    </filter>
+  </defs>
+
+  <!-- Main circle background -->
+  <circle cx="256" cy="256" r="240" fill="url(#bgGrad)" filter="url(#shadow)"/>
+
+  <!-- Outer ring -->
+  <circle cx="256" cy="256" r="240" fill="none" stroke="#42a5f5" stroke-width="4" opacity="0.6"/>
+
+  <!-- Inner subtle ring -->
+  <circle cx="256" cy="256" r="210" fill="none" stroke="#1565c0" stroke-width="1.5" opacity="0.4"/>
+
+  <!-- LIN bus waveform — characteristic digital signal pattern
+       LIN uses UART-style: dominant (low) and recessive (high) states
+       This shows a sync break + sync field + data pattern -->
+  <g filter="url(#glow)">
+    <!-- Main waveform line -->
+    <polyline
+      points="70,300 110,300 110,200 150,200 150,300 170,300 170,200 210,200 210,300 230,300 230,200 290,200 290,300 310,300 310,200 340,200 340,300 380,300 380,200 400,200 400,300 440,300"
+      fill="none"
+      stroke="url(#waveGrad)"
+      stroke-width="6"
+      stroke-linecap="round"
+      stroke-linejoin="round"
+    />
+  </g>
+
+  <!-- Small node dots representing master and slave nodes on the bus -->
+  <!-- Master node (left, larger) -->
+  <circle cx="90" cy="300" r="10" fill="#ffd740" stroke="#ff8f00" stroke-width="2"/>
+  <!-- Slave node indicators along the bus -->
+  <circle cx="190" cy="200" r="6" fill="#80cbc4" stroke="#00897b" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <circle cx="310" cy="200" r="6" fill="#80cbc4" stroke="#00897b" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+  <circle cx="440" cy="300" r="6" fill="#80cbc4" stroke="#00897b" stroke-width="1.5"/>
+
+  <!-- "LIN" text -->
+  <text x="256" y="170" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" font-weight="bold" font-size="72" fill="#ffffff" letter-spacing="8">LIN</text>
+
+  <!-- "SIMULATOR" text below waveform -->
+  <text x="256" y="380" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" font-weight="600" font-size="32" fill="#90caf9" letter-spacing="6">SIMULATOR</text>
+
+  <!-- Small connection arrows indicating bidirectional communication -->
+  <!-- Tx arrow (down) -->
+  <polygon points="130,340 140,355 120,355" fill="#ffd740" opacity="0.7"/>
+  <!-- Rx arrow (up) -->
+  <polygon points="370,355 380,340 360,340" fill="#80cbc4" opacity="0.7"/>
+
+  <!-- Tx/Rx labels -->
+  <text x="130" y="372" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" font-size="14" fill="#ffd740" opacity="0.8">Tx</text>
+  <text x="370" y="372" text-anchor="middle" font-family="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" font-size="14" fill="#80cbc4" opacity="0.8">Rx</text>
+</svg>