Process-interaction simulation languages

Abstract

A number of currently available simulation languages are based on, or offer, the process-interaction approach to simulation; among these languages are GPSS/H, SIMAN, SIMSCRIPT II.5 and SLAM II. This paper provides an introductory survey and descrip tion of these four languages, plus a briefer mention of a number of others. First, we give general information regarding the languages, including a brief description of the language's perspec tive, computers on which it is implemented, the address and telephone numbers for information, a partial listing of relevant texts and manuals, and presently available short courses on language instruction. Second, we explain the perspective of the four languages in greater detail, and model an example problem using each language. An overview of each solution plus a detailed statement-by-statement description is given.