An introduction to CAPS: computer-aided programming for simulation

This paper describes CAPS, a simulation system which enables an analyst without programming experience to quickly produce (in hours) guaranteed executable programs through the use of an interactive dialog. The result is a substantial reduction in both time and effort from the point of problem definition to the availability of model output for decision making. CAPS was developed by Dr. A. T. Clementson of the University of Birmingham and this paper draws heavily upon his work. (See Ref. 1) The user dialog with CAPS is described and examples of the ease of use are given, including an actual model.