System Dynamics (NetLogo)
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Introduction
This page will describe some elements of NetLogo's system dynamics module.
Modeling elements
Like other system dynamics environments, NetLogo diagrams describing the structure of model, includes stocks (levels), in/out flows, and constants and/or variables. More precisely, there four kinds of elements, stocks, variables, flows and links. According to the NetLogo System Dynamics Guide manual:
- A Stock is a collection of stuff, an aggregate. For example, a Stock can represent a population of sheep, the water in a lake, or the number of widgets in a factory.
- A Flow brings things into, or out of a Stock. Flows look like pipes with a faucet because the faucet controls how much stuff passes through the pipe.
- A Variable is a value used in the diagram. It can be an equation that depends on other Variables, or it can be a constant.
- A Link makes a value from one part of the diagram available to another. A link transmits a number from a Variable or a Stock into a Stock or a Flow.