# 2.1: Introduction to ABM

In this section, you will learn the foundational concepts of agent-based modelling (ABM). We will explore what ABM is, why it is important for understanding complex systems, and how it compares to other modelling approaches.

This section builds up the foundations in three steps:

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:::{grid-item-card} 2.1.1 · What is ABM?
:link: section_2_1_1_what_is_abm
:link-type: doc
What agent-based modelling is, its defining characteristics, and its main purposes.
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:::{grid-item-card} 2.1.2 · Why is ABM important?
:link: section_2_1_2_why_abm_important
:link-type: doc
The relevance of ABM for complexity, adaptation, and feedback, and where it is used.
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:::{grid-item-card} 2.1.3 · ABM vs other approaches
:link: section_2_1_3_abm_vs_other_approaches
:link-type: doc
How ABM compares with system dynamics and discrete event simulation, and when to choose it.
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Begin with {doc}`section_2_1_1_what_is_abm` to see what makes an agent-based model distinctive; the interactive elements in each subsection let you experiment with these ideas as you go.