EcoLab: An Agent-Based Modeling System for C++ Programmers

Title: EcoLab: An Agent-Based Modeling System for C++ Programmers

Research Question: How can EcoLab, an agent-based modeling system for C++ programmers, enhance the development and understanding of complex systems?

Methodology: EcoLab uses Classdesc object descriptor technology, providing object reflection and allowing for runtime querying of an object's internal structure. This enables users to code their entire model as a class, exposing most model instance variables and methods to a TCL interpreter. This interpreter also has a complete GUI toolkit (Tk) and a visualization and analysis toolkit (BLT), allowing for continuous plot updates and exploratory visualization or debugging.

Results: EcoLab's object browser, which allows users to drill down into the model and see why a particular object is doing what it's doing, is an answer to Swarm's probes. Additionally, checkpointing and restarting of models are automated, making it easier for users to manage high-performance computing bureau requirements.

Implications: EcoLab's features, such as object reflection and runtime querying, make it easier for C++ programmers to develop and understand complex systems. The GUI toolkit and visualization and analysis tools provide a user-friendly environment for exploring and debugging models, while the object browser allows for deeper insight into the model's workings. The automated checkpointing and restarting make it easier to manage high-performance computing requirements. Overall, EcoLab can enhance the development and understanding of complex systems for C++ programmers.

Link to Article: https://arxiv.org/abs/0401026v1 Authors: arXiv ID: 0401026v1