In the chapter Agent based modeling. Technology overview, we present an overview of the technologies and techniques used in agent based modeling. Agent based models are very diverse in architecture, behavior types, number of agents, space types and so on. Other modeling methods (discrete event and system dynamics) are often used inside and outside agents. Although there is no special or standard language for agent based modeling, there are "design patterns" that are common to many agent based models, which we consider:
- "Object-based" architecture.
- Time model: asynchronous or synchronous (steps or clock ticks).
- Space (continuous, discrete, geographical) and mobility.
- Networks and links between agents.
- Communication between agents, and between agents and environment.
- Dynamic creation and destruction of agents.
- Statistics collection on agent populations.
includes example models described in the step-by-step manner: Air Defense System, Wildfire (featuring combined discrete-continuous space), and also some discrete space classics: Schelling Segregation and Conway's Game of Life.
We decided to publish the book with the current set of chapters; otherwise the rapidly developing product will make it out of date)) The remaining chapters will go into the second edition of the book.
Looking forward to your feedback in the discussion on LinkedIn!
