The execution model can improve analysis, testing and verification of software systems and their features right from the early stages of development. It helps to decrease risks and the possibility of future defects. One of the main goals and challenges for modern modeling tools is the ability to generate usable source code using the modeling approach. The system functionality can be shown as Topological Functioning Model and this functionality can be validated with the help of modeling tools. The paper presents an overview of modeling tools for the execution of models and the ways that they can aid software development. Four modeling tools are reviewed and compared based on their features and documentation – Cameo Simulation Toolkit, Enterprise Architect, Papyrus with Moka and BridgePoint. Two of them – Cameo Simulation Toolkit and Enterprise Architect, are analyzed and compared in practice. Results of the overview are the base for future work, where the tools will be applied for case studies.