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In this section, Gekko is compared to other similar software packages. As explained in the ‘About‘ section, Gekko has from the start on been inspired by three software packages, namely PCIM, AREMOS and GAMS. The two first of these are not developed anymore, and Gekko tries to hit the right spot between those programs. That is, at the same time providing rich databank and timeseries facilities, but on the other hand providing easy ‘multiplier’ analysis (comparing two scenarios) and fast model simulation. Gekko 3.0 adds GAMS-ideas to these capabilities, notably array-timeseries and the whole set-thinking that makes GAMS popular for modeling. In addition, Gekko 3.0 adds data structures also found in Python, like general lists and dictionaries.

Below some comments regarding similar software packages:

  • AREMOS is no longer developed actively. AREMOS and Gekko command files are similar in structure, and Gekko offers an automatic translator from AREMOS to Gekko syntax. Gekko 2.0 (and 3.0) implements large parts of AREMOS functionality, cf. the comparison of AREMOS and Gekko.
  • EViews is a software package for statistics and econometric modeling. EViews offers a rich GUI for interactive statistics etc. The EViews command language, and the organization of workspaces may be a bit cumbersome compared to Gekko, at least for data management purpose, cf. the comparison of EViews and Gekko.
  • R is more matrix- than timeseries-oriented. Gekko has a convenient R interface, and users are advised to use this free package for econometrics etc. Gekko does not plan to incorporate advanced econometrics, but rather provide good interfaces to econometrics software. Cf. the R_RUN command.
  • Python. Gekko has a convenient Python interface, and Python can also be used for statistics/econometrics and many other things. Cf. the PYTHON_RUN command.
  • GAMS is an old model solving software system, and its syntax may feel a bit dated. On the other hand, GAMS is battle-tested and very capable (with many good solvers), and the practical set/domain/condition syntax is emulated in Gekko.
  • Gekko 2.0. There is an automatic translator from Gekko 2.0/2.2/2.4 to Gekko 3.0 syntax.
  • Gekko 1.8. There is an automatic translator from Gekko 1.8 to Gekko 2.0 syntax.