About this User's Guide

This User's Guide will show you the main features of the Vensim simulation software, introducing Vensim in a hands-on environment where you can examine existing models, and construct your own causal loop diagrams, stock and flow diagrams, and simulation models. Advanced features of Vensim, such as sensitivity testing, subscripting (arrays), and optimization, are presented using existing simulation models to speed learning. All of the models in this Guide (with the exception of those used in Chapters 3, 14 and 18) are presented with all the structure and all the equations you need so that you can build the models yourself.

This Guide is common across all Vensim configurations. In some cases functionality that is not in your Vensim configuration will be discussed. We have marked this discussion as clearly as possible. The following table shows which chapters apply to which configurations:

ÖÖFor new users of Vensim, this Guide is designed to be read and worked through from beginning to end. For experienced users of Vensim Chapters 3, 7 and especially 13 are recommended as they describe added and changed functionality.