New tag for Simulation-nodes?

Question

Now that Simulation Nodes are here. Should we create a new tag called simulation-nodes like we have for geometry-nodes?

Answer 1

I've been thinking a bit more about this and came to the conclusion that for the time being at least we do need the simulation-nodes tag.

It is true our tag system is a bit inconsistent at the time, we do have tags for some modifiers but not others.

The general (lack of) rule so far has been creating tags on a need-to basis. Users, some times newly arrived, create tags that lay around for a while, and we ended up adding wikis to them making them became more permanent. Some times in retrospect we come to the conclusion we don't need a certain tag and create a synonym after the fact.

I do think some specific modifier tags do have their value, they help us filter for more specific or substantial modifiers (like boolean or bevel), or distinguish between modifiers and their homonym edit mode operators.

As for the Simulation Nodes I'd vote for keeping it as dedicated tag not because they are distinct from regular geometry-nodes, but to help distinguish from legacy physics simulations, which I suspect will eventually be phased out in favor and the new system.

It may additionally be relevant in contrast with regular Geometry Nodes, since unlike the old Fields, (which became an integral part of the broader geometry nodes) physics simulations will always act as "box" inside a more general node tree, with well defined "gated" entry and exit points.

While input can be added at any point in the simulation box, output will only happen with a Simulation Output node. I haven't yet dug into the specifics, but I suspect this will open the door to trying to solve certain issues with the subset of nodes that can be used inside this simulation area, along with any additional limitations that may or may not apply.

For these reasons I'd argue to create a simulation-nodes and maintain tag to distinguish from the old physics simulation both for historical purposes and for any users for any reason stuck with older Blender versions.

Let me know if you have any arguments against it. If we all agree now would be a good time to create it, since questions about simulation are likely to start rising in volume in the near future.