NetLogo is a programmable modeling environment for simulating natural and social phenomena. It was authored by Uri Wilensky in 1999 and is in continuous development 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 the interaction of many individuals.

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 that students and teachers can easily run simulations or even build their own. And, it is advanced enough to serve as a powerful tool for researchers in many fields.

NetLogo has extensive documentation and tutorials. It also comes with a Models Library, which is a large collection of pre-written simulations that can be used and modified. These simulations address many 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 currently under development.

NetLogo can also power a classroom participatory-simulation tool called HubNet. Through the use of networked computers or handheld devices such as Texas Instruments graphing calculators, each student can control an agent in a simulation. Follow <a href= “hubnet.html”>this link</a> for more information.

NetLogo is the next generation of the series of multi-agent modeling languages that started with StarLogo. It builds off the functionality of our product <a href=“faq.html#diff”>StarLogoT</a> and adds significant new features and a redesigned language and user interface. NetLogo is written in Java so it can run on all major platforms (Mac, Windows, Linux, et al). It is run as a standalone application. Models can be run as Java applets inside a web browser.

You can use the list below to help familiarize yourself with the features NetLogo has to offer.

• System:
  • Cross-platform: runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, et al

• Language:
  • Fully programmable
  • Simple language structure
  • Language is Logo dialect extended to support agents
  • Mobile agents (turtles) move over a grid of stationary agents (patches)
  • Create links between turtles to make aggregates, networks, and graphs
  • Large vocabulary of built-in language primitives
  • Double precision floating point math (IEEE 754)
  • Runs are exactly reproducible cross-platform
  • Add new language features using Java with the extensions API
  • Make use of reusable NetLogo code libraries in external files

• Environment:
  • View your model in either 2D and 3D
  • Scalable and rotatable vector shapes
  • Turtle and patch labels
  • Command center for on-the-fly interaction
  • Interface builder w/ buttons, sliders, switches, choosers, monitors, text boxes, notes, output area
  • Speed slider lets you fast forward your model or see it in slow motion
  • Powerful and flexible plotting system
  • Info tab for annotating your model
  • 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 tool used to collect data from multiple runs of a model
  • System Dynamics Modeler

• Web:
  • Models can be saved as applets to be embedded in web pages
    • Some features are not available from applets, such as some extensions and the 3D view.