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PyNN

INCFSN:
INCFSN-19-02
Endorsed on:
Re-endorsed on:
Review comments:
License:
RRID:
RRID: SCR_002715
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About

PyNN is a simulator-independent language for building neuronal network models. The PyNN API aims to support modelling at a high-level of abstraction (populations of neurons, layers, columns and the connections between them) while still allowing access to the details of individual neurons and synapses when required. PyNN provides a library of standard neuron, synapse, and synaptic plasticity models which have been verified to work the same on the different supported simulators. PyNN also provides a set of commonly-used connectivity algorithms (e.g. all-to-all, random, distance-dependent, small-world) but makes it easy to provide your own connectivity in a simulator-independent way.

Learn more: http://neuralensemble.org/PyNN

Links

Publications
PyNN webpage

Similar standards

NeuroML, SpineML, NineML

Supporting software

Python package

Additional URL

Usage scenario
  • Neuron model based on a standard point neuron model as supported by PyNN (e.g. Integrate and Fire, Izhikevich, adaptive exponential, simple Hodgkin Huxley)

  • Models that consists of interacting populations of cells where overall network activity is more important than individual cell activity

 

Recommendations

NeuroML and PyNN are both standards endorsed by INCF, and the only two recommended and supported formats for sharing models on the Open Source Brain repository.  This document describes some of the similarities and differences between them, and gives examples of instances when one might prefer to use one vs. the other.