Stretching the boundaries of simulation software

SLX is Wolverine Software's "next generation" simulation language. SLX builds on the strengths of Wolverine's GPSS/H (R.C. Crain, 1997). It provides powerful simulation capabilities in a modern framework. SLX is structured as a multiplicity of layers, ranging from its C-like SLX kernel, at the bottom through traditional simulation languages, e.g., GPSS/H, in the middle, to application-specific language dialects and extensions at the top. SLX contains powerful extensibility mechanisms for building new layers atop old ones. (The X in SLX stands for eXtensibility.) SLX also contains innovative features for coupling SLX to other languages and packages. The paper presents selected features of SLX and examples of how SLX is coupled with other software, including DoD's High Level Architecture (HLA). Earlier papers (J.O. Henriksen 1995; 1996) presented key concepts of the architecture of SLX, and a broader overview than the article, respectively.