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Modeling Complex Systems - List Processing in Simulation

6 important questions on Modeling Complex Systems - List Processing in Simulation

Why is list processing important?

If a large amount of information is not stored and manipulated efficiently, the model may require so much execution time or so many storage locations that the simulation study would not be feasible.

What are the two approaches to storing lists of records in a computer?

1. Sequential-allocation approach.
2. Linked-allocation approach.

What are the advantages for simulation modeling of linked allocation of lists?

- Reduces time to process lists.
- Can speed up event-list processing.
- Possibly less computer memory required.
- Easy to manipulate lists.

Predecessor link (backward pointer):

Gives the physical row number in the array of the record that logically precedes the specified record.

List of Available Space (LAS):

Empty rows of an array that are available for future use.

How does simlib store lists?

All lists are stored in dynamic memory, which is allocated when needed to store a new record in a list, and is freed for other uses after a record is removed from a list.