What is NetLogo?

NetLogo is a programmable modeling environment for simulating natural and social phenomena. It was authored by Uri Wilensky in 1999 and has been in continuous development ever since at the Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling.

NetLogo is particularly well suited for modeling complex systems developing over time. Modelers can give instructions to hundreds or thousands of “agents” all operating independently. This makes it possible to explore the connection between the micro-level behavior of individuals and the macro-level patterns that emerge from their interaction.

NetLogo lets students open simulations and “play” with them, exploring their behavior under various conditions. It is also an authoring environment which enables students, teachers and curriculum developers to create their own models. NetLogo is simple enough for students and teachers, yet advanced enough to serve as a powerful tool for researchers in many fields.

NetLogo has extensive documentation and tutorials. It also comes with the Models Library, a large collection of pre-written simulations that can be used and modified. These simulations address content areas in the natural and social sciences including biology and medicine, physics and chemistry, mathematics and computer science, and economics and social psychology. Several model-based inquiry curricula using NetLogo are available and more are under development.

NetLogo is the next generation of the series of multi-agent modeling languages including StarLogo and StarLogoT. NetLogo runs on the Java Virtual Machine, so it works on all major platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux, et al). It is run as a desktop application. Command line operation is also supported.

Features

• System:
  • Free, open source
  • Cross-platform: runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, et al
  • International character set support
• Programming:
  • Fully programmable
  • Approachable syntax
  • Language is Logo dialect extended to support agents
  • Mobile agents (turtles) move over a grid of stationary agents (patches)
  • Link agents connect turtles to make networks, graphs, and aggregates
  • Large vocabulary of built-in language primitives
  • Double precision floating point math
  • First-class function values (aka anonymous procedures, closures, lambda)
  • Runs are reproducible cross-platform
• Environment:
  • Command center for on-the-fly interaction
  • Interface builder w/ buttons, sliders, switches, choosers, monitors, text boxes, notes, output area
  • Info tab for annotating your model with formatted text and images
  • HubNet: participatory simulations using networked devices
  • Agent monitors for inspecting and controlling agents
  • Export and import functions (export data, save and restore state of model, make a movie)
  • BehaviorSpace, an open source tool used to collect data from multiple parallel runs of a model
  • System Dynamics Modeler
  • NetLogo 3D for modeling 3D worlds
  • Headless mode allows doing batch runs from the command line
• Display and visualization:
  • Line, bar, and scatter plots
  • Speed slider lets you fast forward your model or see it in slow motion
  • View your model in either 2D or 3D
  • Scalable and rotatable vector shapes
  • Turtle and patch labels
• APIs:
  • controlling API allows embedding NetLogo in a script or application
  • extensions API allows adding new commands and reporters to the NetLogo language; open source example extensions are included

What is Agent-Based Modeling?

Agent-based modeling is a powerful technique for understanding complex systems. In an agent-based model, individual entities called “agents” operate according to simple rules. These agents interact with each other and their environment, leading to the emergence of complex behaviors and patterns at the system level. Agent-based modeling is widely used in fields such as social sciences, biology, economics, and ecology to study phenomena like population dynamics, market behavior, and social interactions.

Why is NetLogo Useful for Agent-Based Modeling?

NetLogo is specifically designed for building and simulating agent-based models. Its user-friendly interface and approachable programming language make it accessible to both beginners and experienced modelers. NetLogo provides a rich set of built-in features that facilitate the creation of complex models, including support for mobile agents, networked interactions, and data collection. Additionally, NetLogo’s extensive documentation and active user community provide valuable resources for learning and collaboration in the field of agent-based modeling.