CS522: Modelling and Simulation | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about CS522: Modelling and Simulation

Is dia (for UML diagram drawing) installed in the SOCS lab ?

Version 0.88.1 is now installed on all diskless FreeBSD machines in the SOCS labs.

Where can I find out more about UML, Scripting, and Python ?

A collection of links should get you started. Links marked with "Read this" or "Use this" are highly recommended. Others are FYI.

Which version of Python should we use ?

Any version should do. The latest version Python 2.1.1 has just been installed on most diskless FreeBSD machines in the SOCS labs. Let me know if you experience any problems.

Are there Python-aware editors I can use ?

A full list of all Python-aware editors is here.
- On Linux/KDE, kwrite will automatically recognize Python
- There is a Python mode for Emacs
The default Python IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is IDLE, which comes with the standard Python distribution.

Where do I find information on Python ?

The ultimate starting point is the Python website: http://www.python.org.

Can we use languages other than Python for our assignments ?

No, all coding assignments must be done in Python. Thanks to the power of Python this will allow you to build full-scale applications in a short time. It will teach you about rapid prototyping and scripting. Work done in previous incarnations of the course will be re-used. Bear in mind that your work too may be a building block in future assignments (make it re-usable !).

Hans Vangheluwe