12-input-intro.Rmd

# (PART) Inputs and Outputs {.unnumbered}

```{r, include=FALSE}
source("_common.R", local = knitr::knit_global())
```

# Introduction {#input-output}

In this part of the book, you will learn EnergyPlus's input data structure
(Chapter \@ref(input)), and how to programmatically query and modify them in R
(Chapter \@ref(modify)). We will also point you to the corresponding EnergyPlus
reference documentation that will help you gain a better understanding of the
inner workings of EnergyPlus. Understanding the inputs to a model is important
as the proverb "garbage in, garbage out" clearly spells out. You can have the
best data science workflows but your simulation results would only be as good
the quality of your model and it's inputs.

Subsequently, you will learn how to extract the more detailed output files
(Chapter \@ref(output). You will work with time-series simulation results and
explore them using R's data transformation and data visualization capabilities
(Chapter \@ref(explore)).