python-brian

simulator for spiking neural networks


Brian is a clock-driven simulator for spiking neural networks. It is designed with an emphasis on flexibility and extensibility, for rapid development and refinement of neural models. Neuron models are specified by sets of user-specified differential equations, threshold conditions and reset conditions (given as strings). The focus is primarily on networks of single compartment neuron models (e.g. leaky integrate-and-fire or Hodgkin-Huxley type neurons). Features include:

  • a system for specifying quantities with physical dimensions
  • exact numerical integration for linear differential equations
  • Euler, Runge-Kutta and exponential Euler integration for nonlinear differential equations
  • synaptic connections with delays
  • short-term and long-term plasticity (spike-timing dependent plasticity)
  • a library of standard model components, including integrate-and-fire equations, synapses and ionic currents
  • a toolbox for automatically fitting spiking neuron models to electrophysiological recordings

Related packages: python-brian-doc, python-brian-lib


Additional information
  • D.F. Goodman, R. Brette (2008). Brian: A Simulator for Spiking Neural Networks in Python. Frontiers in Neuroinformatics, 2. DOI PubMed
  • D.F. Goodman, R. Brette (2009). The Brian simulator. Frontiers in Neuroinformatics, 3. DOI PubMed

Maintainer information

This software package is maintained for (Neuro)Debian by the follow individuals and/or groups:

Maintainer avatar
NeuroDebian Maintainers
Maintainer avatar
Yaroslav Halchenko
Maintainer avatar
Michael Hanke

In order to get support, or to get in touch with a maintainer, please click the ‘Help’ button at the top of the page.

Advanced user information

Version control system available: Browse sources

Package availability chart
Distribution Base version Our version Architectures
Debian GNU/Linux 6.0 (squeeze)   1.4.1-1~nd60+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Debian GNU/Linux 7.0 (wheezy) 1.3.1-1 1.4.1-1~nd70+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Debian GNU/Linux 8.0 (jessie) 1.4.1-2 1.4.1-1~nd70+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Debian testing (stretch) 1.4.1-2 1.4.1-1~nd70+1+nd90+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Debian unstable (sid) 1.4.1-3 1.4.1-1~nd+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Ubuntu 10.04 LTS “Lucid Lynx” (lucid)   1.3.1-1~nd10.04+1 i386, amd64
Ubuntu 12.04 LTS “Precise Pangolin” (precise) 1.3.1-1build1 1.4.1-1~nd12.04+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Ubuntu 14.04 “Trusty Tahr” (trusty) 1.3.1-1build1 1.4.1-1~nd13.04+1+nd13.10+1+nd14.04+1 i386, amd64, sparc
Ubuntu 14.10 “Utopic Unicorn” (utopic) 1.4.1-2    
Ubuntu 15.04 “Vivid Vervet” (vivid) 1.4.1-2    
The source code for this portal is licensed under the GPL-3 and is available on GitHub.