This is a tutorial on how to download Eclipse to your computer and import Mason as a project for agent-based modeling.
Step 1
Go to the eclipse website: http://www.eclipse.org/
Step 2
You should see a download eclipse button. Click it and it will take you to a page with different packages to download. The website should detect what kind of computer system you are using and provide you with the correct versions for your computer. Download Eclipse Classic 3.7.2 (note that versions change, so the version may be greater than 3.7.2).
Step 3
You will notice that you have a choice between a 32 bit and 64 bit version. The 32 bit version will run whether or not you have a 64 bit processor and system, but the 64 bit version runs faster on a 64 bit processor and system. If you do not want to bother determining whether your computer is 32 bit or 64 bit, then just download the 32 bit version, since it will run on a 64 bit system.
If you do want to determine whether or not you can download the 64 bit version, follow the instruction here if you have a Mac. If you are using a windows machine, follow these instructions. If you are running Linux, then follow these instructions.
Step 4
Once you have decided whether to download the 32 or 64 bit version (if you are unsure, download the 32 bit version), Select the version, it will take you to a new page. Click on the green arrow and wait for it to download.
Step 5
Whatever system you are using, unzip the eclipse download in the programs or applications folder (or you can even unzip it on your desktop).
Step 6
Wherever you put the Eclipse folder, create a folder called “workspace” inside the Eclipse folder (that is where I like to put it).
Step 7
Download the MASON.zip project. Unzip it in the “workspace” folder you just created in the Eclipse folder.
Step 8
Now double click the Eclipse application icon. It will ask for you to set the workspace directory. Use the browse button to find the “workspace” folder you created in Eclipse and then hit “OK”. When you first open Eclipse, there is an introduction window, which allows you to view tutorials, etc. on Eclipse. When you close this window, you can then import the MASON project.
Step 9
Under the “File” menu, select “Import…” and open up the “General” folder in the dialog box that appears. Select “Existing Projects into Workspace”. Click the “Next” button and click on “Browse…” to find the project. Choose “MASON” and click “OK”. Finally, click “Finish”.
Step 10
You are finished and you can now try out sample simulations in the MASON project.