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
Allows arrays to be sorted efficiently
2-D layers visualization now includes 2-D versions of the 3-D shapes from the projection viewer
Components in a flat model can now represent components in an instance of a grid submodel according to their position on the diagram
There is now an image component that allows arbitrary images to be placed on the model diagram
Display model data as lines, spheres or ellipses, and view as current lollipop diagram
Record values of several variables over time to a single file
e.g., 20*min to apply one reading every 20 minutes of simulated time
Pre-defined submodel types for rectangular and hexagonal grid cells which allow communication between neighbours without the use of an association submodel
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
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
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
Simile can now model systems in which instantaneous changes take place at arbitrary times, alongside continuous processes
Modellers can create functions to use in Simile equations by making model fragments that implement their behaviour
Jump forwards and backwards between pre-defined points, for presentation or training
New in version 5.0:
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
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!