New in version 7.0:

Experiment setup

A model can now be run simultaneously with its default parameters and with various other combinations of parameters, using multiple processors if they are available. Results for all cases are shown together and the experiment setup can be saved for use with different versions of the model.

All files saved together

Simile’s saved model file now also contains the helper setup information, the parameter metadata and the experiment setup all together. They can still be saved and loaded separately for transferring between models.

Changes to parameter handling

Equation sets default value for fixed parameter

This matches the behaviour for variable parameters, although fixed parameters do not have to have a value in the model or min/max values.

Parameter array/list format is now JSON

The format for values for matrices etc. or lists of time points was previously Simile’s own, now JSON objects can be cut and pasted in the parameter tab

File parameters are now a tab in explorer pane

They can be adjusted without opening a separate dialogue. This tab also contains the experiment setup.

Interface is more responsive

Model execution now happens in a separate thread at the code level rather than the scripting language level, meaning more responsiveness during long runs.

Text size can be customized

As screens get higher and higher resolution, default text sizes are more likely to be difficult to use. Simile’s new text size preference option affects the whole user interface layout to accommodate the chosen size, which is consistent across the whole interface.

Audio output

A new way of perceiving a rapidly varying value in the model – play its waveform through your sound card. Oscillations, noise, periodicity changes etc. have never been so clear.

Option for indices to start at 0

Simile has always considered array indices to start at 1. Now they do so by default, but starting at 0 can be set for the whole model or a particular hierarchy of submodels. The setting affects the results of the element(), index() and place_in() functions as well as the indices shown in I/O tools.

Removed:

The Simile Scripting Language

Replaced by the Simile/R interface

Multi-window model run environment

Improvements in screen technology mean the single-window MRE is sufficient for all cases.

32-bit x86 versions

X86_64 is now ubiquitous, and 64-bit versions have better performance and can handle more complex models and larger datasets.
 

New in version 6.12:

Execution in browser

Interface to executing model, with run control, explorer pane, I/O tools and additionally the model diagram, can now used a tabbed browser window, which gives better looks, improved performance and a preview of what execution would look like in SimiLive

Submodel representing FIFO pipe to/from another tool

A Simile model can now exchange data with another tool as it runs, representing the external process as a submodel and connecting via a FIFO or bidirectional pipe.
 

New in version 6.9:

Database access 

Has now been completely overhauled. This means that model parameters can be read from a MySQL database in Linux, and reading them from an ODBC source such as .xls works in 64-bit Windows. .xlsb, .xlsm and .xlsx formats can also be used, and the data logger tool can write to any of these in Windows and to MySQL in Linux

New 'order' function 

Allows arrays to be sorted efficiently

2-D Shape Layers

2-D layers visualization now includes 2-D versions of the 3-D shapes from the projection viewer

Models as Maps

Components in a flat model can now represent components in an instance of a grid submodel according to their position on the diagram

Images on diagrams

There is now an image component that allows arbitrary images to be placed on the model diagram

New in version 6.4:

Generic 3-D shapes visualization tool

Display model data as lines, spheres or ellipses, and view as current lollipop diagram

New in version 6.2:

Data logger

Record values of several variables over time to a single file

Units for time series indices

e.g., 20*min to apply one reading every 20 minutes of simulated time

New in version 6.1:

Special-purpose submodels

Pre-defined submodel types for rectangular and hexagonal grid cells which allow communication between neighbours without the use of an association submodel

element() function works on lists

It can have a list as the first argument, and a single value, array or list as the second, allowing sublists of values to be picked from variable-membership submodels

Base instance lookup on more submodel types

A 2-dimensional array submodel, or a variable membership (including population) submodel can now have its indices looked up when building an association involving it

Layered display tool

Maps of different model values and a new tool for drawing widgets representing moving individuals can be superimposed or juxtaposed within one window, along with text and static images

New in version 6.0:

Discrete-event based modelling

Simile can now model systems in which instantaneous changes take place at arbitrary times, alongside continuous processes

Diagram-defined functions

Modellers can create functions to use in Simile equations by making model fragments that implement their behaviour

​Save and re-run editing sessions

Jump forwards and backwards between pre-defined points, for presentation or training

New in version 5.0:

Direct loading of grid data

Load 2-dimensional parameter arrays from comma-separated grids, image files or other datafile formats

Saving raw data in scenario files

Keep all the parameter information in one place, and have models start up faster

Following influences round the diagram

Simile v5 makes it easy to show, and follow, the way information flows round the model

with_greatest(...) and with_least(...) functions

New functions allowing data from special submodel instances to be picked out

Adaptive step size variation

Get more accurate results more quickly in 'stiff system' problem domains

There are a lot of other improvements, most of which do not require the modeller to do anything differently; see What's new in Simile 5.0, 5.1, etc for a more comprehensive list.

Happy modelling!