Brian: A simulator for spiking neural networks in python

Abstract

"Brian" is a new simulator for spiking neural networks, written in Python (http://brian.di.ens.fr). It is an intuitive and highly fl exible tool for rapidly developing new models, especially networks of single-compartment neurons. In addition to using standard types of neuron models, users can defi ne models by writing arbitrary differential equations in ordinary mathematical notation. Python scientifi c libraries can also be used for defi ning models and analysing data. Vectorisation techniques allow effi cient 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. © 2008 Goodman and Brette.