DEVS Modelling and Simulation of a Multi-Paradigm Modelling Tool
Yentl Van Tendeloo, Hans Vangheluwe · 2018
Multi-Paradigm Modelling (MPM) has been proposed to tackle the complexities of the systems we build today. MPM proposes to explicitly model all relevant aspects of the system, at the right level(s) of abstraction, using the most appropriate formalism(s), while explicitly modelling the process. This imposes stringent requirements on any tool supporting MPM, such as support for distributed execution, support for multiple users, all while having acceptable performance. In this paper, we wish to aid the development of such complex tools by explicitly modelling the tool using the Parallel DEVS formalism, thereby applying the MPM approach ourselves. This model is applied in two domains: performance evaluation and model debugging. For performance, the DEVS model is used for what-if analysis and automated benchmarks. For debugging, DEVS debuggers are used instead of code debuggers, raising the level of abstraction. In both cases, DEVS yields deterministic execution, aiding in reproducibility.