# Continuation simulation in different GROMACS version

**URL:** <https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/t/continuation-simulation-in-different-gromacs-version/1101>\
**Category:** User discussions\
**Created:** [November 17, 2020, 2:55pm UTC](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/t/continuation-simulation-in-different-gromacs-version/1101 "2020-11-17T14:55:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![JakubH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@JakubH](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/u/JakubH)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2020, 2:55pm UTC](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/t/continuation-simulation-in-different-gromacs-version/1101/1 "2020-11-17T14:55:02Z")

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GROMACS version: 2018.4 and 2018.2  
GROMACS modification: No  
I have a question is it possible to continue simulation in different gromacs versions? I know that this is impossible for very old and new version together. For example I start with GROMACS 5.0.3 and then I want to continue with 2018.2. I know that this is impossible, but what about GROMACS 2018.4 and for example GROMACS 2018,2. Or 2020.2 and 2020.4 etc.? Is it possible and ok?

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**Author:** ![jalemkul](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex017/user_avatar/gromacs.bioexcel.eu/jalemkul/32/18_2.png) [@jalemkul](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/u/jalemkul)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2020, 6:22pm UTC](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/t/continuation-simulation-in-different-gromacs-version/1101/2 "2020-11-17T18:22:32Z")

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> [@JakubH](#):
>
> For example I start with GROMACS 5.0.3 and then I want to continue with 2018.2. I know that this is impossible

You can always continue an old run with a newer version, but not the other way around. I’d say it’s a really bad idea from a scientific continuity/integrity perspective, especially with such a massive jump in versions.

> [@JakubH](#):
>
> I know that this is impossible, but what about GROMACS 2018.4 and for example GROMACS 2018,2

As noted above, you can’t go backwards.

> [@JakubH](#):
>
> Or 2020.2 and 2020.4 etc.

This you could do, and would probably be OK since you’re only differing in patch release versions. I would never split a simulation between major versions, and if I was a reviewer of such a paper, I would have a big problem with that, as well.

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**Author:** ![JakubH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@JakubH](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/u/JakubH)\
**Post date:** [November 17, 2020, 6:30pm UTC](https://gromacs.bioexcel.eu/t/continuation-simulation-in-different-gromacs-version/1101/3 "2020-11-17T18:30:38Z")

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Thank you so much @jalemkul.