Welcome to the NEST simulator documentation!

Download

Install

NEST is a simulator for spiking neural network models, ideal for networks of any size, for example:

  1. Models of information processing e.g. in the visual or auditory cortex of mammals,

  2. Models of network activity dynamics, e.g. laminar cortical networks or balanced random networks,

  3. Models of learning and plasticity.

New to NEST?

Start here at our Getting Started page

Have an idea of the type of model you need?

Click on one of the images to access our model directory:

Neuron Models Synapse Models Devices

Create complex networks using the Topology Module or the Microcircuit Model:

Topology Microcircuit
Need a different model?

Check out how you can create you own model here.

Have a question or issue with NEST?

See our Getting Help page.

How the documentation is organized

Contribute

  • Have you used NEST in an article or presentation? Let us know and we will add it to our list of publications. Find out how to cite NEST in your work.

  • If you have any comments or suggestions, please share them on our Mailing List.

  • Want to contribute code? Check out our Developer Space to get started!

  • For more info about our larger community and the history of NEST check out the NEST Initiative website