[myhdl-list] OT - Atmel ProChip Designer software

[garyr <ga...@fi...>]

My question does not specifically concern MyHDL. If there is another
 newsgroup where it would be more appropriate please let me know.

 I would like to use the free Atmel ProChip Designer software  to generate
 code for one of the ATF15xx CPLDs. The brochure for it lists four types of
 software packages: Design & Entry, Synthesis, Simulation and Fitters &
 Devices. I think I understand the function of Design & Entry, Simulation 
and  Fitters & Devices but Synthesis has me puzzled. The synthesis 
packages are  all very expensive third-party items. Is the synthesis 
software necessary  for code development or just convenient?