How-to: Write a parton-level Monte Carlo event generator

Abstract

This article provides an introduction to the principles of particle physics event generators that are based on the Monte Carlo method. Following some preliminaries, instructions on how to build a basic parton-level Monte Carlo event generator for the hard interaction are given through exercises. Indications on how to proceed to full event simulations are given.

Comments: Matches published version. Exercises and solutions at https://apapaefs.web.cern.ch/apapaefs/mchowto.html. Given as part of the "Advanced Scientific Computing Workshop" at ETH Zürich in July 2014