Comparison of system dynamics software
From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
This is a comparison of various aspects of software offering system dynamics features:
Due to concerns over commercial postings on the system dynamics main topic, commercial hyperlinks are specifically NOT active on this list.
Table of system dynamics software
| Package name | Licensing | Implementation language | Last update (year) | Contact | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analytica | Proprietary, commercial, free limited version | C++ | 2014 | www |
Supports system dynamics, Monte Carlo simulation, array abstraction, linear and non-linear optimization. Uses influence diagrams to define, navigate, and document models. |
| AnyLogic | Proprietary, commercial, free Personal Learning Edition (PLE) for education, formal or not | Java | 2015 | anylogic |
Supports system dynamics, agent based and discrete event modeling, allows making hybrid models. |
| ASCEND | Free, GNU General Public License (GPL) | C | 2012 | ascend4 |
For solving small to very large mathematical models, systems of non-linear equations, linear and nonlinear optimisation problems, dynamic systems expressed as differential-algebraic equations. |
| Berkeley Madonna | Proprietary, shareware | C++, Java | 2016 | berkeleymadonna |
Developed on Berkeley campus under sponsorship of NSF and NIH, used by academic and commercial institutions to build mathematical models for research and teaching. Solves ordinary differential equations (initial conditions and boundary value problems), difference equations (initial conditions and boundary value problems), multi-dimensional transcendental algebraic equation roots, discrete simulations using conveyors, ovens, and queues. Suitable for large-scale systems, boundary value problems, Monte Carlo models, curve fitting, root finding, batch processes, parameter plots, stiff systems, etc. |
| Consideo | Proprietary, commercial | 2012 | www |
Combines different methods, concept maps, system dynamics. | |
| DYNAMO | Proprietary, no longer distributed commercially | AED, Pascal | 1986 | N/A | Historic DYNAMO models are often available at the MIT system dynamics website. DYNAMO software for microcomputers may be available via eBay or other resale sites. |
| Dynaplan Smia | Proprietary, commercial | C++ | 2013 | www |
System dynamics, causal loops, multi-dimensional arrays, hierarchical models, reusable components, scripted functions, stochastic and sensitivity analysis, optimization, scenarios. |
| Forio Simulations | Proprietary, commercial | - | www |
Web-based system dynamics software | |
| Insight Maker | Free, Insight Maker Public LicenseL | JavaScript | 2016 | www |
Web based, multi-user, supports causal loop diagrams, rich pictures, dialogue mapping, mind mapping, stock & flow simulation models. |
| JDynSim | Free, GPL | Java | 2010 | code |
System dynamics framework for Java. |
| MapleSim | Proprietary, commercial | Java (GUI), C, Maple (engine) | 2013 | www |
Modelica-based system-level modeling tool. Leverages symbolic computing via tight integration with Maple. |
| Mapsim | Free, GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL) | .NET Framework | 2013 | mapsim |
|
| Minsky | Free, LGPL | C++ | 2015 | sourceforge |
Graphic wiring interface. Specialist economic modeling. |
| NetLogo | Free, GPLv2 | Java, Scala | 2015 | ccl |
Agent-based modeling environment in LOGO; supports system dynamics models as a secondary feature. |
| OptiSim | Free, for education. Copyright 2009-2010 by Tomasz Zawadzki. All rights reserved. | Java | 2010 | www |
Web-based system dynamics software for education. Project appears inactive. Code is inaccessible. |
| Powersim Studio | Proprietary, commercial, free trial 30 days | C++ | 2015 | www |
System dynamics and discrete event modeling. Features include sensitivity analysis, optimization, GUI builder. Many license formats including SDK, academic, commercial and a free Studio Express |
| Pyndamics | Free, MIT License | Python | 2013 | code |
Numerical dynamics software, supports simple syntax for writing differential equations. |
| RecurDyn | Proprietary, commercial, free trial 30 days | C++ | 2013 | www |
Offers multibody dynamic abilities with an integrated powerful nonlinear finite element method called Multi Flexible Body Dynamics (MFBD). Gives precise dynamic motion results including stress analysis in one simulation. Features flexible body contacts and nonlinear deformations. |
| Simantics System Dynamics | Free, Eclipse Public License (EPL) | Java, Modelica | 2015 | sysdyn |
Free and open source system dynamics modelling software with stock and flow modelling, hierarchical models and array variables. |
| Simile | Proprietary, commercial | C++, Prolog, Tcl | 2013 | www |
System dynamics software with object-based concepts: hierarchical (nested) models, associations between models. Models may be pure system dynamics. Discrete event-based modelling. Free evaluation license limited to 25 model elements not by time or function. |
| Simulink | Proprietary, commercial | ? | 2015 | www |
Tight integration with MATLAB |
| Sphinx SD Tools | Free, Apache License (ASL), version 2.0 | Java | 2013 | sourceforge |
|
| Stella, iThink | Proprietary, commercial | 2012 | iseesystems |
Model builder based on intuitive icon-based graphical interface | |
| Sysdea | Proprietary, commercial | 2013 | sysdea |
Browser-based modeling tool for a monthly fee | |
| SystemDynamics | Free, GPL | Java | 2009 | sourceforge |
|
| Temporal Reasoning Universal Elaboration (TRUE) | Proprietary, freeware, copyright 2002-2014 True-World, all rights reserved | WLanguage Windev | 2014 | www |
System dynamics + 3D modeling (3D rendering using OpenGL graphics library) + procedural animation |
| Vensim | Proprietary, commercial, free Personal Learning Edition (PLE) for education and personal use | 2012 | vensim |
||
| VisSim | Proprietary, commercial | C | 2011 | www |
Accredited education institutions are allowed to site license VisSim v3.0 for free. The latest versions, and add-ons, are available to students and academic institutions at reduced pricing. A read-only version of the software, VisSim Viewer is available for free and provides a way for unlicensed users to run VisSim models. |
| Wolfram SystemModeler | Proprietary, commercial | 2015 | www |
Supports system dynamics, discrete event modeling, external C-functions, hierarchical models, and the Modelica modeling language with tight integration with Mathematica. Models can be exported to run as standalone applications for users without SystemModeler. |
- L.^ Graphing library MxGraph is licensed separately under paid commercial licence
