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Brian: a simulator for spiking neural networks in Python

2008/01/01 by Dan F. M. Goodman · 2 citations
Engineering · Neuroscience · #Advanced Memory and Neural Computing #Neural dynamics and brain function #Neuroscience and Neural Engineering

paper · pdf · doi:10.3389/neuro.11.005.2008

openalex publication_date 2008/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

"Brian" is a new simulator for spiking neural networks, written in Python (http://brian. di.ens.fr). It is an intuitive and highly flexible tool for rapidly developing new models, especially networks of single-compartment neurons. In addition to using standard types of neuron models, users can define models by writing arbitrary differential equations in ordinary mathematical notation. Python scientific libraries can also be used for defining models and analysing data. Vectorisation techniques allow efficient simulations despite the overheads of an interpreted language. Brian will be especially valuable for working on non-standard neuron models not easily covered by existing software, and as an alternative to using Matlab or C for simulations. With its easy and intuitive syntax, Brian is also very well suited for teaching computational neuroscience.

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