Learning Path¶
Start with SIR Epidemic and work down. Each example introduces one new concept while reinforcing the previous ones.
Progression¶
1. SIR Epidemic — Fundamentals¶
The foundation. Learn TypeDef, Entity, Space, BoundaryAction, Policy, Mechanism, >> sequential composition, and | parallel composition.
Roles: BoundaryAction, Policy, Mechanism
2. Thermostat PID — Feedback¶
Adds .feedback() for within-timestep backward information flow. Introduces CONTRAVARIANT flow direction and the ControlAction role.
New: .feedback(), backward ports, ControlAction
3. Lotka-Volterra — Temporal Loops¶
Adds .loop() for cross-timestep iteration. Introduces COVARIANT temporal wiring and Mechanism with forward_out.
New: .loop(), temporal wiring, exit conditions
4. Prisoner's Dilemma — Complex Composition¶
Most complex composition tree. Nested parallel ((A | B) | C), multi-entity state space, and combining all operators except .feedback().
New: nested parallel, multi-entity state, complex trees
5. Insurance Contract — Complete Taxonomy¶
Completes the 4-role taxonomy. The only example using all four roles: BoundaryAction, Policy, ControlAction, Mechanism.
New: complete role taxonomy, parameterized admissibility
6. Crosswalk Problem — Mechanism Design¶
The canonical GDS example from BlockScience. Demonstrates mechanism design with a governance parameter constraining agent behavior via discrete Markov transitions.
New: mechanism design, governance parameters, discrete state
Prerequisites¶
- Python 3.12+
- gds-framework and gds-viz (installed with gds-examples)
- Basic understanding of dynamical systems concepts