Please note : This help page is not for the latest version of Enterprise Architect. The latest help can be found here.

How It Works

The Model Simulator enables you to simulate the execution of conceptual model designs containing behavior.

When you start a simulation, the current model package is analyzed and a dynamic simulation process spawned to execute the model. As the simulator analyzes and works with UML constructs directly, there is no requirement to generate intermediary code or compile simulation 'executables'. This results in a very rapid and dynamic simulation environment in which changes can be made and tested very rapidly.

To get up and running with simulation the only steps required are:

Build a behavioral diagram (state or activity for manual or dynamic execution, sequence for manual interaction only)
Optional: load the Simulation Workspace layout ... a fast way of bringing up all the frequently used Simulation windows
Press the simulator "Play" button!

 

The Professional edition provides a quick and simple way to verify your design's behavior for logical correctness by manually stepping through a diagram.

In the Corporate edition and above it is possible to:

dynamically execute your behavioral models
assess guards and effects written in standard Javascript
define and fire triggers into running simulations
define and use sets of triggers to simulate different event sequences
auto-fire trigger sets to simulate complex event histories without user intervention
update simulation variables "on the fly" to change how simulations proceed
create and call COM objects during Simulation to extend the Simulation's reach and input/output possibilities
inspect Simulation variables at run time
set a script 'prologue' for defining variables, constants and functions prior to execution
use multiple Analyzer Scripts with differing 'prologues' for running the Simulation under widely differing conditions
in the Business and Software Engineering and Ultimate Editions it is also possible to simulate BPMN models

Platforms and Editions Available

Topic

Detail

See also

Platforms Supported

The Model Simulator supports the following simulation platforms:

UML Basic
BPMN
 

The Model Simulator currently supports the execution of UML Activity, Interaction, State Machine models and BPMN Business Processes.

 

Set Up Simulation

Edition Support

Model Simulation is available at different levels across the range of editions of Enterprise Architect:

Desktop - Simulation not available
Professional - Manual Simulation only
Corporate and above  -  Adds dynamic Javascript evaluation
Business & Software Engineering and Ultimate - Adds BPMN simulation.

 

 

Learn more