How to implement agent-based models?
There are a number of ABM platforms like Swarm, Starlogo, Netlogo, Mason, Cormas, Repast, etc (List of ABM Platforms can be found here). The main benefits of these platforms are the provision of a graphical interface, an open source community who may develop similar models you are interested in, and libraries. A drawback is that these platforms are not always userfriendly and that libraries only include the more straightforward algorithms. One can also develop ABMs in more standard packages like MATLAB when one is already familiar with such a platform. A good platform to get started is Netlogo, which has good tutorials and a elaborative library of demo models. For more experienced modelers, a platform like Repast might be more applicable since the run time is faster and more tailored procedures can be implemented.
