Netsim: Java™-based simulation for the World Wide Web

Current literature motivates development of a general, WWW-based simulation package with maximum user interactivity and cross-platform capabilities. Netsim, a general, WWW-based, discrete-event simulation package written entirely in Java, meets this need. Java is an object-oriented programming langu...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Computers & operations research 1999-05, Vol.26 (6), p.607-621
Main Authors: Veith, Tamie L., Kobza, John E., Koelling, C.Patrick
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Computer science
control theory
systems
Exact sciences and technology
Internet
Java
Modeling
Object oriented programming
Object-oriented simulation
Operations research
Programming languages
Simulation
Software
Studies
World Wide Web
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Current literature motivates development of a general, WWW-based simulation package with maximum user interactivity and cross-platform capabilities. Netsim, a general, WWW-based, discrete-event simulation package written entirely in Java, meets this need. Java is an object-oriented programming language designed for internet programming. It makes Netsim possible and enables easy incorporation with existing WWW materials. As a result, Netsim supports and enhances the existing WWW environment for users of all levels. Netsim provides complete model creation and modification capabilities, through the event graph paradigm, along with both graphical animation and data output. Netsim allows expandability for complex modeling and integration with other Java-based programs and future extensions. Scope and purpose Research in the area of World Wide Web-based simulation is growing rapidly as World Wide Web (WWW) programming tools develop. Still, much of this research provides only limited, WWW-based simulation capabilities. Netsim answers these limitations and provides a positive, unique contribution to WWW-based simulation by combining Java, event graphs, and the WWW into a general simulation package. In particular, Netsim (1) provides a simple method for including interactive, discrete-event simulation in WWW sites, (2) uses graphical interfaces for model entry, editing and manipulation, (3) allows user control of model execution, (4) provides animated and numerical output, (5) uses Java to provide: (i) object oriented flexibility which: (a) allows straightforward code modification and re-use, (b) minimizes computer memory usage, (c) allows easy program expansion; (ii) platform independence through the WWW; (iii) compatibility with other Java-based graphical and analytical tools, and (6) does not require external applications or databases. By accessing Netsim simulation models through the WWW, users are able to ensure a common reference and to easily communicate, building on understandings and ideas. Additionally, through animation and data output, Netsim contributes a graphic as well as analytic representation of a system process. This enables users to understand the system both visually and statistically.
ISSN:0305-0548
1873-765X
0305-0548
DOI:10.1016/S0305-0548(98)00039-2