BindsNET is a Python library for simulating spiking neural networks (SNNs) with a focus on biologically inspired machine learning and reinforcement learning. It targets researchers and developers working with SNNs, offering a PyTorch-based framework for efficient simulation on CPUs and GPUs.

How It Works

BindsNET approximates spiking neuron dynamics by converting differential equations into difference equations solved at small time intervals (dt ≈ 1ms) within PyTorch. This approach leverages PyTorch's torch.Tensor for GPU acceleration and allows repurposing of torch.nn.functional for SNN architectures. It supports biologically plausible learning rules like Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasticity (STDP) for weight modification.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Install via pip: pip install git+https://github.com/BindsNET/bindsnet.git or pip install . from source.
• Python version: >=3.9,<3.12.
• OpenAI Gym integration requires separate installation.
• Docker image available.
• Example: cd examples/mnist; python eth_mnist.py
• Documentation: https://github.com/BindsNET/bindsnet (README links to docs)

Highlighted Details

• Benchmarked against BRIAN2, PyNEST, ANNarchy, and BRIAN2genn, claiming superior performance by leveraging PyTorch's hardware utilization.
• Supports unsupervised, supervised, and reinforcement learning paradigms with SNNs.
• Implements STDP for synaptic plasticity.
• Provides example scripts for various ML/RL tasks.

Maintenance & Community

• Key contributors include Hananel Hazan (main maintainer), Daniel Saunders, and Christopher Earl.
• Citation provided for research use.

Licensing & Compatibility

• License: GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0).
• AGPL-3.0 is a strong copyleft license, requiring derivative works to also be open-sourced under AGPL-3.0, potentially impacting commercial or closed-source integration.

Limitations & Caveats

The AGPL-3.0 license may impose significant restrictions on commercial use or integration into proprietary software. The README mentions some tests may fail if OpenAI Gym is not installed.