In discrete event simulation, what does the term "state" represent?

In discrete event simulation, the term "state" refers to the specific configuration or condition of the system being modeled at a particular moment in time. It encompasses all the relevant variables that describe the system's status and operational parameters. This can include metrics such as the number of entities in the system, their attributes, the current time, or any resource availability which influence the system's behavior.

Understanding the "state" is crucial because simulation models rely on capturing these details to accurately reflect how the system operates over time and how it responds to different events or changes. As the simulation progresses, the state can change based on the events that occur, which are triggered by the model's defined rules and parameters. Thus, the "state" serves as a foundation for analyzing the performance and dynamics of the modeled system, making it a core concept in discrete event simulation.