A comparison of two microcomputer continuous simulation languages

Until the early 1980s, most digital simulation models of reasonably complex systems required the use of a mainframe for a solution to be obtained in a timely manner. Recently, the declining prices of computer memory, operating systems, and modern hardware have supported the implementation of large simulation packages on smaller machines. Today, tremendous improvements in the performance of microcomputers have provided the simulationist with a completely personalized, less expensive computing environment. Operating within a microcomputer environment, the simulationist must choose a suitable computer language. Often, user familiarity dictates the selection of a language, while other factors such as ease of use, portability between hardware, speed, and adaptability to simulation tasks, should also be considered. Furthermore, other languages may exist that are particularly well suited for simulation in a microcomputer environment. This work will provide an initial database on the performance of two continuous simulation languages that will assist the practicing simulationist in his choice of which language and hardware resources to employ