NetLogo: A simple environment for modeling complexity

Abstract

NetLogo [?] is a multi-agent programming language and modeling environment for simulating complex phenomena. It is designed for both research and education and is used across a wide range of disciplines and education levels. In this paper we focus on NetLogo as a tool for research and for teaching at the undergraduate level and higher. We outline the principles behind our design and describe recent and planned enhancements. 1.1 Overview NetLogo is a multi-agent programming language and modeling environment for simulating natural and social phenomena. It is particularly well suited for modeling complex systems evolving over time. Modelers can give instructions to hundreds or thousands of independent “agents ” all operating concurrently. This makes it possible to explore connections between micro-level behaviors of individuals and macro-level patterns that emerge from their interactions. NetLogo enables users to open simulations and “play ” with them, exploring 2 NetLogo: A Simple Environment for Modeling Complexity their behavior under various conditions. NetLogo is also an authoring environment that is simple enough to enable students and researchers to create their own models, even if they are not professional programmers. We designed NetLogo for both education and research. There has been considerable research on the use of multi-agent modeling in K-12 settings (e.g.