What do you do if you want to simulate electronic circuits, but don't know which tool to use?

Learn a tool like gnucap, it's free, and available on many platforms. Source code is available, so assuming you have a C/C++ compiler for your platform, you should be able to compile it yourself if a prebuilt binary is not available.

You can use an app called 123D Circuits made by Autodesk, or an open-source app called CircuitLAb. you can upload your schematics and simulate them to see if your circuit works. if you want to do it physically with actual electronic components, a breadboard is a reliable tool for simulating simple to complex circuits.

Simple answer multi meter enough For any circuit boards 1) diode - 1 way current conduction 2) capacitor - can't be short circuit ( non continuity) 3) scr - same as diode with pulse 4) optocoupler 5) Resistance - can't be open So simple

When looking to simulate electronic circuits without prior knowledge of the tools, start by researching options like LTspice, Multisim, or Proteus which are popular among engineers. These tools offer varying levels of complexity and features. Beginners may find LTspice user-friendly, while Multisim provides extensive libraries and Proteus offers a comprehensive suite for simulation and PCB design. Online forums, tutorials, and free trials can help determine the best fit for your needs. Remember, the choice of tool often depends on the specific requirements of your project and your personal comfort with the software.

Using computer software design tools in schools to analyze electronic circuits was made popular in the early 90's with open software in Spice or PSpice. Since then, there are dozens of tools available. One that I have followed and used since its beginning was EWB (Electronics Workbench) which later turned unto Multisim, then NI Multisim. It has a good RF analysis section. CircuitLab is another good tool. Then if you want to move up in RF circuit complexity, their is SONNET (a free version), Ansys HFSS, or Keysight ADS.

When exploring simulation tools for electronic circuits, consider the specific requirements of your projects and your familiarity with different platforms. LTspice stands out for its robustness in simulating analog and mixed-signal circuits, offering a vast library of components and analysis capabilities. CircuitLab, on the other hand, provides an accessible online platform with a user-friendly interface, suitable for quick simulations and sharing circuits. Meanwhile, Proteus offers a comprehensive solution, extending beyond circuit simulation to include embedded systems like microcontrollers and PCB design features. Ultimately, the choice depends on your project needs, preferred workflow, and level of expertise with each tool.

While this article does mention a couple of circuit simulators I wonder why it does not at all mention PSpice which has been around the block for decades now. I may be biased, but when looking a simulation tool it is necessary to take many topics into consideration. Is it future proof with respect to capabilities so that it can grow with the user/company. Does it offer advanced capabilities like circuit optimization, stress/reliability analysis, integration with tools like Matlab/Simulink and has an API for creating code. Even cosimulation between hardware and circuit simulator might be of importance. The more capabilities the tool has, the more can be analysed with the purpose of less prototypes and minimizing waste, time and frustration.