May 1, 2024
Updated June 23, 2025
23 minute read
NetLogo: A Comprehensive Guide to Agent-Based Modeling and Its Applications
NetLogo is a programmable modeling environment used for simulating natural and social phenomena. Developed by Uri Wilensky at Northwestern University's Center for Connected Learning and Computer-Based Modeling (CCL), it is designed with the principle of "low threshold and no ceiling," meaning it is easy for novices to get started but also powerful enough for complex applications by experts. At its core, NetLogo allows users to create, explore, and understand complex systems by giving instructions to hundreds or thousands of independent "agents" and observing the patterns that emerge from their interactions.
Working with NetLogo can be an engaging experience, particularly for those fascinated by how individual behaviors aggregate to produce surprising, large-scale outcomes. The platform offers a highly visual and interactive way to experiment with models, making abstract concepts more tangible. For individuals intrigued by the interconnectedness of systems—be it in ecology, economics, or social dynamics—NetLogo provides a compelling digital laboratory. The ability to quickly modify parameters and see immediate results can spark curiosity and lead to deeper insights into the workings of complex systems.
Introduction to NetLogo
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Find a path to becoming a NetLogo. Learn more at:
OpenCourser.com/topic/lc8kyj/netlog
Reading list
We've selected 23 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
NetLogo.
Is considered a foundational text for learning agent-based modeling using NetLogo, written by the creator of NetLogo himself. It provides a comprehensive introduction to core concepts and methods with numerous hands-on examples and exercises. It is widely used as a textbook in university courses across various disciplines and is suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience.
The extensive collection of pre-built models included with the NetLogo software. This library is an invaluable resource for learning by example, exploring different ABM applications, and as a starting point for building new models. The models cover a wide range of disciplines and complexities. This must-explore resource for all NetLogo users.
Offers a practical introduction to agent-based and individual-based modeling with a strong focus on ecological and biological systems, though its principles are broadly applicable. It uses NetLogo as the primary platform for implementing models and provides detailed guidance on model design, implementation, parameterization, and analysis. The second edition includes updates for newer NetLogo versions and expanded examples.
Is the definitive work on the topic of cellular automata, a simple but powerful modeling technique that has been used to simulate a wide range of natural and social phenomena.
This textbook provides a practical guide to integrating agent-based modeling with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with a focus on using NetLogo for spatial ABM. It is highly relevant for those interested in modeling spatially explicit phenomena and combines introductions to basic concepts with hands-on advice.
Considered a classic in the field of agent-based social science modeling, this book introduces fundamental concepts through the Sugarscape model. While not exclusively focused on NetLogo, it provides crucial background on the principles of emergent phenomena and complex systems that are central to ABM. It is valuable for understanding the theoretical underpinnings of the models you might build in NetLogo.
Focuses on spatial simulation using NetLogo, which is relevant to modeling phenomena with a geographical component, such as disease spread (mentioned in the course list). It offers a practical guide with a methodological orientation and examples inspired by real-world problems. It is suitable for readers who want to incorporate spatial data and analysis into their NetLogo models.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cellular automata, with chapters on everything from the basics of cellular automata programming to advanced techniques for modeling complex systems.
Focuses specifically on the application of agent-based modeling to sociological questions. It is useful for those interested in modeling human behavior and social dynamics, aligning with some of the course topics mentioned. While it may not be solely NetLogo-based, it provides valuable context and examples for building social simulations.
This online book uses NetLogo models to explore concepts in game theory and the diffusion of information (gossip) in networks. It provides practical examples of building and analyzing NetLogo models for social dynamics, aligning with the course topic on modeling human attitudes and virus dissemination.
This e-book specifically addresses the application of agent-based modeling within economics using the NetLogo platform. It explores how multi-agent computational models can be used to simulate economic phenomena. This valuable resource for those interested in applying NetLogo to economic systems and problems.
Collection of papers that explore the use of NetLogo in a wide range of fields, providing insights into the capabilities and limitations of this powerful modeling environment.
Provides a collection of NetLogo models for the social sciences, with a focus on models of social cognition and behavior.
Provides a collection of NetLogo models for the social sciences, with examples of models that can be used to study a wide range of social phenomena.
Provides a broad overview of agent-based modeling methods and guidelines for developing and analyzing ABMs. It covers various aspects of the modeling process and can serve as a valuable reference for best practices in the field. While not tied to a specific software like NetLogo, the principles discussed are directly applicable to NetLogo users.
Introduces complex adaptive systems and their relevance to social science using computational models. While not exclusively NetLogo-based, it provides essential background on the concepts of complexity, emergence, and the use of computational models to study social phenomena, which are highly relevant to NetLogo users in social science.
This handbook offers a collection of chapters on various social science applications of agent-based modeling. It showcases the diversity of topics that can be explored using ABM and provides examples of how models are built and used in practice. It useful resource for gaining inspiration and seeing how NetLogo or other ABM platforms are applied in research.
Provides a broader introduction to multiagent systems, of which agent-based modeling sub-field. While it is more theoretical and not NetLogo-specific, it offers a strong foundation in the concepts and challenges of designing and understanding systems of multiple interacting agents. It is valuable for graduate students and researchers seeking deeper theoretical knowledge.
Provides an introduction to agent-based modeling, a technique for simulating the behavior of complex systems by modeling the interactions between individual agents.
A concise introduction to agent-based modeling, this book provides a good overview of the principles and practices. While not solely focused on NetLogo, it offers a solid theoretical foundation for understanding ABM across different platforms. It can serve as a valuable supplementary reading to gain a broader perspective on the field.
Provides an overview of multi-agent systems and artificial societies, with a focus on the use of NetLogo to model these systems.
One of the earlier textbooks on social simulation, this book provides a broad overview of simulation methods, including agent-based modeling, for social scientists. While some parts may cover methods other than ABM or use older software examples, the chapters on evolutionary approaches and the general methodology remain relevant for understanding social simulations.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/topic/lc8kyj/netlog
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