Modelica
Modelica is an open-source, object-oriented, equation-based modeling language designed for modeling complex physical systems across multiple domains, such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, and control systems. It enables acausal modeling, where equations describe relationships between variables without specifying computational flow, making it ideal for multi-domain simulation and model exchange. The language is standardized by the Modelica Association and is widely used in industry and academia for system-level design, simulation, and analysis.
Developers should learn Modelica when working on multi-physics simulations, such as in automotive, aerospace, or energy systems, where integrating mechanical, electrical, and control components is essential. It is particularly valuable for model-based design, enabling efficient simulation of complex systems without manual equation manipulation, and supports tools like Dymola and OpenModelica for implementation. Use cases include designing hybrid electric vehicles, optimizing building energy systems, and developing control algorithms for industrial processes.