A Primer on Mathematical Modeling with NetLogo ¶

NetLogo is software designed for agent-based modeling. This primer focuses on how to use NetLogo to do mathematical modeling using agent-based models, where by "mathematical modeling", I mean using a mathematical model to address questions. The primer document is accompanied by nine NetLogo programs that includes three finished programs and six programs that represent steps toward a finished program.

1. forager.1 contains commands that set up a virtual world for a simulation.
2. forager.2 adds animation.
3. forager.3 adds code that monitors animation progress.
4. forager.4 adds additional features to the model.
5. forager is the finished simulation program with all model errors corrected.
6. optimal_foraging.1 automates determination of the program outcome and saves data from multiple runs.
7. optimal_foraging.2 adds automation of a set of simulation runs
8. optimal_foraging is the finished experiment program with automated data analysis.
9. optimal_foraging_function is a stripped down version of optimal_foraging that is suitable for use with BehaviorSpace or a user written program for experiments.