PyNN 0.8 beta 1 released

We're very happy to announce the first beta release of PyNN 0.8.


For PyNN 0.8 we have taken the opportunity to make significant, backward-incompatible
changes to the API. The aim was fourfold:

•   to simplify the API, making it more consistent and easier to remember;
•   to make the API more powerful, so more complex models can be expressed with less code;
•   to allow a number of internal simplifications so it is easier for new developers to contribute;
•   to prepare for planned future extensions, notably support for multi-compartmental models.

For a list of the main changes between PyNN 0.7 and 0.8, see the release notes for the 0.8 alpha 1 release.

For the changes in this beta release see the release notes.

The biggest change with this beta release is that we now think the PyNN 0.8 development branch is stable enough to do science with. If you have an existing project using an earlier version of PyNN, you might not want to update, but if you're starting a new project, we recommend using this beta release.

The source package is available from the INCF Software Center. 

What is PyNN?

PyNN (pronounced 'pine' ) is a simulator-independent language for building neuronal network models.

In other words, you can write the code for a model once, using the PyNN API and the Python programming language, and then run it without modification on any simulator that PyNN supports (currently NEURON, NEST and Brian).

Even if you don't wish to run simulations on multiple simulators, you may benefit from writing your simulation code using PyNN's powerful, high-level interface. In this case, you can use any neuron or synapse model supported by your simulator, and are not restricted to the standard models.

PyNN is also being used as a user-friendly interface to neuromorphic hardware systems.

The code is released under the CeCILL licence (GPL-compatible).