What does the 'time step' concept refer to in discrete simulations?

In discrete simulations, the 'time step' concept refers to the interval at which the state of the model is updated and evaluated. Each time step represents a specific point in time when the system's variables are reassessed, allowing the simulation to progress from one state to another. This update is crucial as it defines how the model transitions through different states based on the events and rules set within the simulation.

Choosing the correct time step is important because it influences the accuracy and responsiveness of the simulation. A smaller time step can capture more details and variations within the system’s dynamic behavior, while a larger time step may simplify computations but can overlook significant changes occurring within that interval.

This concept is distinct from the total duration of the simulation run, the frequency of data collection, and the point of analysis, as those elements relate to broader aspects of managing and interpreting the overall simulation rather than the discrete progression of time within the model itself.