Review of Simulation Languages

Abstract

The rapid acceptance of the need for special programming languages to aid in computer simulation has led to a large number of such languages in recent years. The purpose of this paper is to review the principal of these languages and to make a comparison of their characteristics. The first characteristic discussed is the method of dealing with time advance and the organization. This is followed by a discussion on the naming and structure of entities.

An important aspect of simulation is the comprehensiveness of the test facilities which then receive discussion. The facilities provided by the various programs for introducing procedures or subroutines is described, with special emphasis on sampling, statistic-collecting and output procedures.

Lastly, the facilities provided for development are discussed and the paper ends with a brief summary of each of the languages covered.