Porting+netLogo+to+Ruby

=Overview=

The basic design procedure is to use the NetLogo software as a virtual scratchpad for the development of agents that will exist within the gameplay world, as netLogo offers an accessible and powerful avenue for agent development. However, in order to implement these agent into the gameplay, they will have to be translated to Ruby. The basic premise at this point is to develop a collection of primitives that can be mimic those found in Netlogo, in order to facilitate translating agent behavior from the NetLogo language over to Ruby. The intent is not only to translate the specific functionality contained within the NetLogo language, but also to include additional functionality which for whatever reason is not accessible via NetLogo.

The additional flexibility offered by the Ruby structure may help to assist in overcoming some of the difficulty in developing proper agent behavior that coincides with the temporal resolution of game updates.

=netLogo commands for transferral=

Suggestion of commonly used netlogo functions that could be prioritized for incorporating into Ruby:

turtles-own set sprout towards hatch
 * Turtle-related:**

patches-own
 * Patch-related:**

any ask max-one-of min-one-of one-of in-radius
 * Agentset:**

'dreamlist' of commands
Commands/functionality that don't exist in netLogo, but could be useful extensions to be included in Ruby


 * higher-level commands:**

=scratchpad of additional functionality=

Example: Black-backed woodpecker (from Beaurdry et al 2010)

 * 1) Minimum patch size: 30ha (~74 acres)
 * 2) Coniferous woody wetlands (excluding red pine)
 * 3) Optional modifier: habitat improved with large, deteriorated snags, post-fire or disease dynamics
 * 4) gameplay: could potentially improve habitat using a 'restoration' or 'improve habitat' function, at a slight cost to timber return

Example: Hairy Woodpecker (from bna.birds.cornell.edu)

 * 1) ~12.5 pairs/km^2 (~20 acre minimum patch size)
 * 2) Mixed or Deciduous forest
 * 3) access to edge

Example: Hairy Woodpecker

 * 1) Pre-process identification of suitable habitat
 * 2) Define animal movement
 * 3) Reproductive success

=Related Topics=

Agent Development