v0.1

Release v0.1

VS-Sim Release Notes

We're excited to announce the initial release of VS-Sim, a comprehensive distributed systems simulation platform designed for educational and research purposes. This foundational release provides everything needed to create, visualize, and analyze distributed algorithms and protocols.

🎯 What's New

Core Simulation Engine

• Process Management: Create and manage multiple distributed processes with Lamport logical clocks for proper event ordering
• Message Passing: Built-in message system enabling communication between processes with configurable delays and failures
• Task Scheduling: Flexible task management system allowing processes to execute custom behaviors and protocols

Visual Protocol Editor

• Graphical Interface: Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for designing distributed protocols without writing code
• Real-time Visualization: Watch your protocols execute step-by-step with clear visual feedback
• Customizable Appearance: Color-coded processes and messages for better understanding of complex interactions

Built-in Protocol Library

• Time Synchronization: Internal and external clock synchronization algorithms for distributed systems
• Ping-Pong Protocol: Simple communication pattern demonstration
• Broadcast Protocols: Including broadcast storm simulation for network behavior analysis
• Extensible Framework: Easy-to-use protocol interface for implementing custom algorithms

Educational Resources

• Interactive Tutorials: Step-by-step guides with visual examples
• Documentation: Comprehensive mini-HOWTO with practical examples
• Visual Examples: Screenshots demonstrating ping-pong and time synchronization scenarios

Developer Experience

• Build System: Automated build process with Ant integration
• Modular Architecture: Clean separation between core engine, editors, protocols, and utilities
• Configuration Management: Persistent preferences system for customizing the simulation environment

📦 What's Included

• Complete source code for all components
• Ready-to-use binary distribution bundle
• Educational documentation and tutorials
• Example protocols and simulations
• Build scripts for easy compilation

🚀 Getting Started

1. Extract the VS-Sim bundle
2. Review the included HOWTO documentation
3. Run the simulator and explore the example protocols
4. Use the visual editor to create your own distributed algorithms

This initial release establishes VS-Sim as a powerful tool for understanding distributed systems concepts through hands-on simulation and visualization.