> why not program your own model I wouldn't use the word 'program' here; I think it misses the essence of quantitative modeling. Quantitative models can be def

> why not program your own model I wouldn't use the word 'program' here; I think it misses the essence of quantitative modeling. Quantitative models can be defined on purely mathematical terms. Some of these also benefit tremendously from computer simulation. Still, many can be analyzed and understood based on mathematical properties. The worlds of declarative programming and formal analysis can come together in very interesting ways w.r.t. modeling and simulation. P.S. This comment isn't aimed particularly at the commenter above; I'm writing this comment because I don't think the domain of 'modeling and simulation' is generally well-understood among software developers nor HN participants.