Pathogen Spread Simulation

Visual, agent-based simulation of a pathogen spreading through a population. Built in Processing to explore compartment-style dynamics (healthy → infected → recovered/dead) and how parameters like infection radius, probability, and recovery time change outbreak curves.

Demo

Gif file that showcases what the code displays,

Features

• Agent-based particles with state (e.g., susceptible / infected / recovered / dead)
• Adjustable model parameters (infection radius, infection probability, recovery/mortality timing)
• Real-time visualization
• Simple, single-file entry point for easy tweaking and experiments

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• Processing (Java mode) — download from processing.org and install.

Run

1. Open Processing.
2. File → Open… and select plagueFinal.pde from this repository.
3. Click Run ▶️.

If Processing prompts you to create a sketch folder, say Yes—Processing expects all .pde files to live in a folder with the same name as the main sketch.

Repo Structure

Pathogen_spread_simulation/
├─ plagueFinal.pde        # Main sketch: setup(), draw(), simulation loop
├─ Plague_class.pde       # Pathogen / simulation logic (parameters & rules)
└─ Cell.pde               # Agent (individual) definition & behavior

Controls & Parameters

• Parameters: Open Plague_class.pde (and/or plagueFinal.pde) in Processing to tweak things like infection probability, infection radius, recovery time, and mortality chance. The sketch will re-run with your new values.
• Display: The draw() loop in plagueFinal.pde handles per-frame updates and rendering; adjust frame rate or colors there.

Experiments to Try

• Start with a very low infection probability vs. a high one—observe the threshold behavior.
• Make recovery fast vs. slow and see how peak load changes.
• Introduce a small mortality rate and compare final outcomes.