4. Common Types of Systems & Simulations
This section breaks down the main ways that systems and simulations are categorized.
4.1 Key System Classifications
| System Type | Primary Difference |
| Discrete System vs. Continuous System | A discrete system’s state variables change only at specific points in time, while a continuous system’s state variables change constantly over time. |
| Stochastic System vs. Deterministic System | A deterministic system has no randomness and will always produce the same output from the same starting conditions, while a stochastic system includes random elements, leading to varied outputs. |
4.2 Key Simulation Classifications
- Static Simulation: A simulation involving a model that is not affected by the passage of time.
- Dynamic Simulation: A simulation involving a model whose behavior and state change over time.