Tutorials

This section provides a progressive learning path for pySimBlocks.

The tutorials are meant to be read in order. Each one builds on the previous one and introduces a new way of working with the library.

Tutorial 1: First Simulation in Python

Prerequisites: a working pySimBlocks Python installation. Level: Beginner.

Build and simulate a simple closed-loop system directly in Python.

You will learn:

  • How to create blocks

  • How to connect signals

  • How to run a discrete-time simulation

  • How to log and visualize results

After this tutorial, you will be able to assemble and simulate a basic model from code.

Tutorial 2: Build the Same Model with the GUI

Prerequisites: Tutorial 1 completed and the graphical editor available. Level: Beginner.

Rebuild the same closed-loop system visually with the pySimBlocks GUI.

You will learn:

  • How to add blocks in the editor

  • How to configure block and simulation parameters

  • How to connect signals visually

  • How to save and export a GUI project

After this tutorial, you will be able to create the same model either from code or from the graphical editor.

Tutorial 3: Couple the Model with SOFA

Prerequisites: Tutorial 2 completed, SOFA installed, and the SOFA Python bindings configured. Level: Intermediate.

Replace the simple linear plant with a SOFA simulation and run the closed-loop diagram in co-simulation.

You will learn:

  • How to configure SOFA_ROOT and the SOFA Python bindings

  • How to define a SofaPysimBlocksController

  • How to configure a SofaPlant block in the GUI

  • How to run the model with either pySimBlocks or SOFA as the master process

After this tutorial, you will be able to connect a pySimBlocks controller to a SOFA scene and run the coupled system from the GUI or the published example files.