NuWebKit - Revision history

Rsalter at 16:55, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T16:55:34Z

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	~~Numerus WebKit (~~NuWebKit) is a technology for building powerful simulations that run in a Web browser. It consists of applications and APIs that support the design of models along the lines of NetLogo (NL), but using conventional languages such as Java, JavaScript (JS) and Python.<ref>This API is under development.</ref> These applications are deployed either from a remote server, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Beanstalk (AWSEB), (or, in Java mode, any other server that supports WebSockets, or in JS mode, from any conventional Web or Cloud server); alternatively, they can be run locally without using any network connectivity using a ''localhost'' server. JS development only requires text editing, and Java development can take advantage of the Eclipse J2EE (Jakarta) platform using the Apache Tomcat server.		NuWebKit is a technology for building powerful simulations that run in a Web browser. It consists of applications and APIs that support the design of models along the lines of NetLogo (NL), but using conventional languages such as Java, JavaScript (JS) and Python.<ref>This API is under development.</ref> These applications are deployed either from a remote server, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Beanstalk (AWSEB), (or, in Java mode, any other server that supports WebSockets, or in JS mode, from any conventional Web or Cloud server); alternatively, they can be run locally without using any network connectivity using a ''localhost'' server. JS development only requires text editing, and Java development can take advantage of the Eclipse J2EE (Jakarta) platform using the Apache Tomcat server.

	NuWebKit uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.		NuWebKit uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.

Rsalter: Rsalter moved page Numerus WebKit to NuWebKit: Change of app name

2026-03-19T16:55:11Z

Rsalter moved page Numerus WebKit to NuWebKit: Change of app name

← Older revision

Revision as of 16:55, 19 March 2026

Rsalter at 16:50, 19 March 2026

2026-03-19T16:50:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:50, 19 March 2026
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	Numerus WebKit (~~NWK~~) is a technology for building powerful simulations that run in a Web browser. It consists of applications and APIs that support the design of models along the lines of NetLogo (NL), but using conventional languages such as Java, JavaScript (JS) and Python.<ref>This API is under development.</ref> These applications are deployed either from a remote server, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Beanstalk (AWSEB), (or, in Java mode, any other server that supports WebSockets, or in JS mode, from any conventional Web or Cloud server); alternatively, they can be run locally without using any network connectivity using a ''localhost'' server. JS development only requires text editing, and Java development can take advantage of the Eclipse J2EE (Jakarta) platform using the Apache Tomcat server.		Numerus WebKit (NuWebKit) is a technology for building powerful simulations that run in a Web browser. It consists of applications and APIs that support the design of models along the lines of NetLogo (NL), but using conventional languages such as Java, JavaScript (JS) and Python.<ref>This API is under development.</ref> These applications are deployed either from a remote server, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) Elastic Beanstalk (AWSEB), (or, in Java mode, any other server that supports WebSockets, or in JS mode, from any conventional Web or Cloud server); alternatively, they can be run locally without using any network connectivity using a ''localhost'' server. JS development only requires text editing, and Java development can take advantage of the Eclipse J2EE (Jakarta) platform using the Apache Tomcat server.

	~~NWK~~ uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.		NuWebKit uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.

	This document describes the ~~NWK~~ architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming. Click [[WebKit Examples\|here]] to access ~~NWK~~ examples.		This document describes the NuWebKit architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming. Click [[WebKit Examples\|here]] to access NuWebKit examples.

	== ~~NWK~~ Concepts ==		== NuWebKit Concepts ==
	A simulation program is a system that maintains a global state that evolves over time. A simulation is starts in some initial state, and incurs state changes following successive strobes from an external source (which we call the '''clock'''). The state may consist of a single data value or multiple data values mapped out over the internal structure of the simulation. An example of the former is a simple simulation of exponential growth, where the current population is the only value of interest. The latter is exemplified by a spatial or agent based model where simulation state is distributed over individual agents or cells. At each time step the state change algorithm determines the new state from the current and possibly past states of the system. As the simulation runs, the user is presented with displays that illustrate the simulation's state. Time in a simulation is measured in clock ticks which may be mapped to model-time values. A simulation may run for a fixed interval, or may operate in an unbounded time frame.		A simulation program is a system that maintains a global state that evolves over time. A simulation is starts in some initial state, and incurs state changes following successive strobes from an external source (which we call the '''clock'''). The state may consist of a single data value or multiple data values mapped out over the internal structure of the simulation. An example of the former is a simple simulation of exponential growth, where the current population is the only value of interest. The latter is exemplified by a spatial or agent based model where simulation state is distributed over individual agents or cells. At each time step the state change algorithm determines the new state from the current and possibly past states of the system. As the simulation runs, the user is presented with displays that illustrate the simulation's state. Time in a simulation is measured in clock ticks which may be mapped to model-time values. A simulation may run for a fixed interval, or may operate in an unbounded time frame.

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	In an agent-, or individual-based model, agents exist in the space defined by the spatial topology and are mobile. In addition to location, their intrinsic state values include color and size. Optionally, speed and direction ("theta"<ref>"phi" values are also intrinsic for 3-d models</ref>) values can be assigned that direct movement. We use the term ''SimWorld'' to refer to the combined cell/agent universe.		In an agent-, or individual-based model, agents exist in the space defined by the spatial topology and are mobile. In addition to location, their intrinsic state values include color and size. Optionally, speed and direction ("theta"<ref>"phi" values are also intrinsic for 3-d models</ref>) values can be assigned that direct movement. We use the term ''SimWorld'' to refer to the combined cell/agent universe.

	The ~~NWK~~ platform uses a Web browser to create a ''presentation'' of the simulation to the user. The presentation is separate from the model logic that determines the state evolution of the program, even when both are running on the client. When client and server are both used to execute a simulation, a WebSocket facilitates communication between the presentation and model logic. Consequently, the user must first connect the presentation to the model logic. This step is maintained even for client-side-only deployment, for the sake of uniformity. Disconnecting and reconnecting is a simple and reliable way of restarting a session.		The NuWebKit platform uses a Web browser to create a ''presentation'' of the simulation to the user. The presentation is separate from the model logic that determines the state evolution of the program, even when both are running on the client. When client and server are both used to execute a simulation, a WebSocket facilitates communication between the presentation and model logic. Consequently, the user must first connect the presentation to the model logic. This step is maintained even for client-side-only deployment, for the sake of uniformity. Disconnecting and reconnecting is a simple and reliable way of restarting a session.

	To assist with model creation ~~NWK~~ provides a '''Project Manager''' application. Using this, the programmer creates a Project '''blueprint''', essentially a file containing the Project DNA, stored separately from the project directories. The Project Manager reads this file and first parses the JSON contained in the blueprint to weed out any errors. Once a blueprint is correct, the Project Manager creates directory structures for the project, adds the project DNA file constructed from the blueprint, and inserts runnable but empty Java or JS source files for the model logic. As the project develops, changes may be made to the actual project DNA to fine tune the application. The Project Manager also has a function for retrieving deployed Project DNA files and correcting the blueprint, so that using the workflow recommended in a later section, the blueprint will always be current.		To assist with model creation NuWebKit provides a '''Project Manager''' application. Using this, the programmer creates a Project '''blueprint''', essentially a file containing the Project DNA, stored separately from the project directories. The Project Manager reads this file and first parses the JSON contained in the blueprint to weed out any errors. Once a blueprint is correct, the Project Manager creates directory structures for the project, adds the project DNA file constructed from the blueprint, and inserts runnable but empty Java or JS source files for the model logic. As the project develops, changes may be made to the actual project DNA to fine tune the application. The Project Manager also has a function for retrieving deployed Project DNA files and correcting the blueprint, so that using the workflow recommended in a later section, the blueprint will always be current.

	We next explore simulation programs from the point of view of the user, and then discuss how these programs are organized architecturally and in terms of their model logic.		We next explore simulation programs from the point of view of the user, and then discuss how these programs are organized architecturally and in terms of their model logic.

	=== User Experience ===		=== User Experience ===
	[[File:app.png\|thumb\|~~NWK~~ User Interface]]		[[File:app.png\|thumb\|NuWebKit User Interface]]
	This image shows the browser window running the sample agent-based application "Rock Paper Scissors", with the following features:		This image shows the browser window running the sample agent-based application "Rock Paper Scissors", with the following features:
	;Model Inputs		;Model Inputs
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	=== System Architecture ===		=== System Architecture ===
	[[File:arch0.png\|thumb\|\|Basic Architecture]]		[[File:arch0.png\|thumb\|\|Basic Architecture]]
	~~NWK~~ architecture revolves around 5 major structures. Refer to the diagram on the right to understand the organization of these items.		NuWebKit architecture revolves around 5 major structures. Refer to the diagram on the right to understand the organization of these items.
	;Project		;Project
	:The ''Project'' (or Project "DNA"), is a JSON<ref>JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a standard format for storing and exchanging data. It's a lightweight, text-based format that's easy to read by humans and machines.</ref> object contained in a text file, specifying the parameters that configure the elements of both the simulation and the presentation. Details will be given below. If the Project Manager is used to initialize a a project, the programmer first creates a '''blueprint''', essentially the Project DNA file in a separate directory. As mentioned above, the Project Manager uses the blueprint to create a new runnable (but semantically empty) project.		:The ''Project'' (or Project "DNA"), is a JSON<ref>JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a standard format for storing and exchanging data. It's a lightweight, text-based format that's easy to read by humans and machines.</ref> object contained in a text file, specifying the parameters that configure the elements of both the simulation and the presentation. Details will be given below. If the Project Manager is used to initialize a a project, the programmer first creates a '''blueprint''', essentially the Project DNA file in a separate directory. As mentioned above, the Project Manager uses the blueprint to create a new runnable (but semantically empty) project.
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	===Stocks===		===Stocks===
	A special type of store, called a <code>Stock</code>, is used in system dynamics (SD) settings to model continuous functions. ~~NWK~~ stocks operate like those in well-known system dynamics modeling platforms, such as Stella, Vensim and Berkeley Madonna, using RK4 integration to maintain accuracy. Stocks may be used in a purely SD model, or may be part of the environment modeled in a spatial or agent-based model.		A special type of store, called a <code>Stock</code>, is used in system dynamics (SD) settings to model continuous functions. NuWebKit stocks operate like those in well-known system dynamics modeling platforms, such as Stella, Vensim and Berkeley Madonna, using RK4 integration to maintain accuracy. Stocks may be used in a purely SD model, or may be part of the environment modeled in a spatial or agent-based model.

	===VisitMode===		===VisitMode===
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	:a list of color specifications for display purposes.		:a list of color specifications for display purposes.
	;side panel		;side panel
	:an area of the ~~NWK~~ Web page containing documentation and other features.		:an area of the NuWebKit Web page containing documentation and other features.
	<hr>		<hr>

Rsalter: /* Sample Workflow */

2025-02-17T21:04:04Z

Sample Workflow

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	# Connect and run the model; the timers will show that the model is running, but no changes occur in the display since the model logic has not yet been programmed.		# Connect and run the model; the timers will show that the model is running, but no changes occur in the display since the model logic has not yet been programmed.
	# View the project DNA file, contained in '''js/myproject.js''', in Eclipse. Make any desired cosmetic changes to the size and appearance of the components by altering the project DNA file and reloading the page. When you are satisfied, use the Project Manager to update the blueprint with the current contents of the project DNA file.		# View the project DNA file, contained in '''js/myproject.js''', in Eclipse. Make any desired cosmetic changes to the size and appearance of the components by altering the project DNA file and reloading the page. When you are satisfied, use the Project Manager to update the blueprint with the current contents of the project DNA file.
	# Define the model logic in the Java files '''MyProject.java''', '''MyProjectTurtle.java''' and '''~~MyTurtle~~.java'''. The Tomcat server will reload with every saved change. Occasionally the Tomcat server is unable to keep up and will offer to terminate or restart. You may want to terminate the Tomcat server while writing code to avoid this interruption. Restarting the Tomcat server and reloading the Web page will refresh the presentation.		# Define the model logic in the Java files '''MyProject.java''', '''MyProjectTurtle.java''' and '''MyProjectPatch.java'''. The Tomcat server will reload with every saved change. Occasionally the Tomcat server is unable to keep up and will offer to terminate or restart. You may want to terminate the Tomcat server while writing code to avoid this interruption. Restarting the Tomcat server and reloading the Web page will refresh the presentation.
	# You may also want to open the browser's DevTools to monitor Web page execution.		# You may also want to open the browser's DevTools to monitor Web page execution.

Rsalter: /* Sample Workflow */

2025-02-17T21:02:06Z

Sample Workflow

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	# Install Eclipse Jakarta, open a workspace and create a Dynamic Web project.		# Install Eclipse Jakarta, open a workspace and create a Dynamic Web project.
	# In a separate directory open a '''myproject.prj''' in a text editor (emacs, vi, etc.)		# In a separate directory open '''myproject.prj''' in a text editor (emacs, vi, etc.)
	# Edit '''myproject.prj''' to include a project blueprint containing the desired features and parameters. Be sure to reference to appropriate directories in the Eclipse workspace.		# Edit '''myproject.prj''' to include a project blueprint containing the desired features and parameters. Be sure to reference to appropriate directories in the Eclipse workspace.
	# Launch the Project Manager app and load '''myproject.prj'''; correct any errors and save the corrected version.		# Launch the Project Manager app and load '''myproject.prj'''; correct any errors and save the corrected version.

Rsalter: /* Glossary of Terms */

2025-02-17T20:59:41Z

Glossary of Terms

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	;Eclipse		;Eclipse
	:a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in Java and other programming languages.		:a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in Java and other programming languages.
	;Tomcat		;Apache Tomcat
	:~~Apache Tomcat is~~ a free, lightweight web server and servlet container that's used to run Java-based web applications.		:a free, lightweight web server and servlet container that's used to run Java-based web applications.
	;D3		;D3
	:the JavaScript library for ''bespoke'' (their description) data visualization.		:the JavaScript library for ''bespoke'' (their description) data visualization.

Rsalter: /* Glossary of Terms */

2025-02-17T20:59:17Z

Glossary of Terms

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	:a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in Java and other programming languages.		:a free, Java-based development platform known for its plugins that allow developers to develop and test code written in Java and other programming languages.
	;Tomcat		;Tomcat
	Apache Tomcat is a free, lightweight web server and servlet container that's used to run Java-based web applications.		:Apache Tomcat is a free, lightweight web server and servlet container that's used to run Java-based web applications.
	;D3		;D3
	the JavaScript library for ''bespoke'' (their description) data visualization.		:the JavaScript library for ''bespoke'' (their description) data visualization.
	;palette		;palette
	:a list of color specifications for display purposes.		:a list of color specifications for display purposes.

Rsalter at 20:57, 17 February 2025

2025-02-17T20:57:34Z

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	NWK uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.		NWK uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.

	This document describes the NWK architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming. Click [WebKit Examples\|here] to access NWK examples.		This document describes the NWK architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming. Click [[WebKit Examples\|here]] to access NWK examples.

	== NWK Concepts ==		== NWK Concepts ==

Rsalter at 20:57, 17 February 2025

2025-02-17T20:57:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 17 February 2025
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	NWK uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.		NWK uses the D3 JavaScript library for rendering high quality dynamic visualizations.

	This document describes the NWK architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming.		This document describes the NWK architecture, APIs and applications. Tutorials, documents describing example models, and a complete user manual, are forthcoming. Click [WebKit Examples\|here] to access NWK examples.

	== NWK Concepts ==		== NWK Concepts ==

Rsalter: /* Glossary of Terms */

2025-02-17T20:52:55Z

Glossary of Terms

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 17 February 2025
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	;side panel		;side panel
	:an area of the NWK Web page containing documentation and other features.		:an area of the NWK Web page containing documentation and other features.
			<hr>