This text offers an in-depth study of the VHDL language rules, coding styles and methodologies. It distinguishes good from poor coding methodologies using a symbology notation along with a rationale for each guideline. The VHDL concepts, rules and styles are demonstrated using complete compilable and simulatable examples which are also supplied on the accompanying disk. The book offers practical applications of VHDL and techniques that are current in the industry. It explains how to apply the VHDL guidelines using several complete examples. The "learning by example" teaching approach along with an in-depth presentation of the language rules application methodology provides the necessary knowledge to create digital hardware designs and models that are readable, maintainable, predictable, and efficient. It is intended for both college students and design engineers, and provides a practical approach to learning VHDL.