Plasma line broadening and computer simulations: A mini-review

Over the fifty years that have passed since its foundation, the modern theory of spectral line broadening in plasmas has made great strides in explaining countless phenomena. The theory has been in constant development and, increasingly, the computer simulation methods have played an important and unique role in this process. In this short Review we outline this development, describe the current status, and discuss the future of computer simulations for plasma line broadening.