Simulation is the execution of behaviors and associated definitions in the model. Rational Rhapsody simulates the behavior of your model by executing its behaviors captured in statecharts, activity diagrams, and textual behavior specifications. Structural definitions like blocks, ports, parts, and links are used to create a simulation hierarchy of subsystems.
Once you simulate the model, you can open simulated diagrams, which let you observe the model as it is running and perform design-level debugging. You can perform the following tasks:
It is good practice to test the model incrementally using model execution. You can simulate pieces of the model as it is developed. This simulation allows you to determine whether the model meets the requirements and find defects early in the design process. Then you can test the entire model. In this way, you iteratively build the model, and then with each iteration perform an entire model validation.