Vensim Script Tools for improving workflow in Vensim
This project is a collection of Python-based tools for working with Vensim software for system dynamics modelling.
VST contains the main codebase. For now, this contains usable code snippets, as well as ipynb notebooks with more extensive documentation; this will eventually be developed into an installable package.
VST Automation TEMPORARY contains a basic automation example for 15.879 use.
VST Testing contains a test package for the alpha version of vst, with an ipynb notebook showcasing a demonstration workflow based on the new syntax.
Widgets contains handy standalone tools drawing on the main codebase; these are intended to be usable even with minimal coding proficiency, as executable py files / ipynb notebooks.
If you use any VST code or widgets in any published work, please consider citing this repository:
Lim, T.Y. (2022) "Vensim Script Tools." https://github.com/tseyanglim/VST Accessed (DATE)
Vensim excels at its core competency of system dynamics modelling, and in particular, is extremely efficient at standard simulation model analyses (estimation/optimisation, sensitivity analyses).
VST leverages those advantages by providing tools that make it easier to integrate Vensim into more complex workflows and analysis pipelines, while still relying on Vensim as the core analytical / computational engine.
VST is thus different from, but complementary to, both VenPy and PySD. VenPy utilises the Vensim DLL to interface more closely with Vensim models, in more interactive ways; PySD allows development and analysis of system dynamics models in native Python, without use of Vensim. Both allow greater flexibility and interactivity - especially the ability to use other data science tools - than is possible when relying on Vensim, but without the benefit of the computing power and speed that Vensim brings. Which one to use depends on your specific task.
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