CONVERSIM: a teaching simulation language incorporating a conversational model builder
WSC '88 Proceedings of the 20th conference on Winter simulation
The interactive graphics and antimation of GPSS/PC
WSC '87 Proceedings of the 19th conference on Winter simulation
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GPSS/PC is a new implementation of GPSS, the General Purpose Simulation System, with several interactive extensions to the user interface. Its overall design integrates a syntax directed statement parser with the run time system. This results in a number of advantages in the controllability of running simulations. Unlike traditional simulation language implementations, GPSS/PC was designed with the simulation primitives on the user interface. This means that functions previously accessible only to transactions within the simulation at run time can now be called manually from the keyboard. This results in a high level of control over the actions of entities within the simulation. Any GPSS block statement can be applied in this manner and the results of the interaction can be explored immediately. GPSS/PC also provides for numeric and structural modifications to be made at run time. Simulations can be stopped or interrupted and any named value can be modified without requiring reassembly of the model. Further, with relatively mild restrictions, blocks in the GPSS model can be added, deleted, or replaced without the need for reassembly. Several additional aids to usability have been implemented in the user interface. A syntax directed statement parser refuses to accept keystrokes which cannot possibly lead to a syntactically valid statement. A command recognition feature allows partial specification of statement verbs. Other aids include cursor prompting, online help, and an integrated statement editor. Nearly all statements, including GPSS block statements, can be assigned to function keys and recalled with single keystrokes.