(@INIT_MD-target)=
# @INIT_MD
```{tags} Molecular Dynamics
```

Initialize a Molecular Dynamics simulation.



## @INIT_MD

Go to @INIT_MD node.


 The engine performs any initialization operations that are necessary before a molecular dynamics simulation can be performed, 
proceeding to the `@INIT_MD` node


:::{admonition} Note
:class: caution

This command may change the engine's atomic coordinates under certain circumstances, such as if the SHAKE algorithm is used.
:::

### Examples


::::{tab-set}

:::{tab-item} Python
:sync: python

```python
import mdi

# connect to the engine
mdi_engine = mdi.MDI_Accept_Communicator()

# initialize a Molecular Dynamics simulation
mdi.MDI_Send_Command("@INIT_MD", mdi_engine)

```
:::

:::{tab-item} C++
:sync: cpp

```cpp
#include "mdi.h"

// connect to the engine
MDI_Comm mdi_engine = MDI_Accept_Communicator();

// initialize a Molecular Dynamics simulation
MDI_Send_Command(">@INIT_MC", mdi_engine);

```
:::

::::