A method for executing a first application program of a first control unit on a computer, wherein functions for controlling actuators and/or sensors and/or functions for processing and/or providing data from actuators and/or sensors are executed by the first application program. A first interface between a control unit hardware and a first application program of the control unit is established by the control unit operating system. A first virtual control unit operating system and a first virtual application program are generated by compilation. A simulation environment interface is made available by the simulation environment for transfer of a data item and/or of an event to the first virtual application program and/or the virtual control unit operating system. The simulation environment initiates and controls an execution of the first virtual application program within the control unit operating system within the first virtual machine through the simulation environment interface.