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Simulation Blog
WITNESS Laid Bare! Part 4 – ‘The Actions language’
27 July 10
The problem is in getting the logic straight, not how to ‘code’ it…….
In WITNESS there is no need to use complex state variables, implement your own counts, and monitor values etc….as required in some simulation tools. WITNESS has an ‘in-built’ command language that we call ‘ACTIONS’ which uses ‘natural language like’ constructs in the way it is used to construct rules etc.For example, in order to stop the model when a queue hits a particular number…. Just simply think of how you would describe this in simple structured ‘English’ style….if number in queue = 9 then stop…...correct! That’s essentially all that’s required, the obvious place to put this single line of ‘Actions’ is where the entities join the queue….correct again! That’s where it goes.Over the years I have had many discussions with customers which start with’ I am struggling to know how to model xyz in WITNESS’. When asked to describe the logic or rules they want to include in their simulation, that’s where their difficulties become apparent. The problem is in getting the logic straight in their mind not how to ‘code’ it. After a discussion when the logic and control rules required become clear, entering the required behaviour into WITNESS becomes relatively simple….essentially you enter it the way you describe it, naturally, no need for complex IT style constructs.In some simulation applications, the level of data manipulation and control logic required can admittedly get very involved. The WITNESS Actions Language is ‘rich’ enough to support this sophistication. Indeed, most common programming constructs are supported, together with simulation appropriate extensions and presented in this easy to express style. The environment provides a number of ‘wizards’, automatic syntax checks and ‘debugging’ aids which execute line by line and display values to easily step through for testing.The Actions Language is crucial in making WITNESS efficient to use and effective across a wide range of applications, whilst also being very approachable for non-programmers.
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