Hi, I'd like to classify some data using a Neural Network, but I don't nessecarily want to implement the NN myself, I'd rather like to use a NN tool (first). The only software I know for building and training NNs is SNNS, Stuttgard Neural Network Simulator (it's quite old). What do you think of SNNS? Are there newer/better programs for building and training Neural Networks available?

Hey newhalf

What do you mean by NN software.

Do you want an api for training a NN?
Do you want an implementation of an NN?
Do you want a lib to do all of that together?

Cheers
Chris

I want a program where I can input the network topology graphically, can define inputs and outputs, and get lots of nice statistics. Something which helps me to create a NN for a given problem without having to write a C++ program from scratch. Basically, I want SNNS. I just wondered if there are other programs similar to SNNS, but maybe better, or different in some way.

I dont know of NN simulators that can do all that (designing topology interactively, training the net, and getting all ur stats in a nice attractive format). In fact, I havent even used the particular Simulator u mention in ur post.

But, in case you would want to go a slightly harder way, i.e., write some code to design and train ur networks, the Matlab Neural Network toolbox would be a good way to start. Matlab also features nice routines to draw graphs and visualise data.

Matlab's NN Toolbox doesn't give you the capacity to graphically design your networks, although this is not needed. They're very easy to specific in Matlab's c-style scripting language. The drawback of Matlab is the cost. If you're an individual, the licensing costs can be prohibitive (unless you're a student, but even then I don't think you can get the NN toolbox at student rates).

You might want to look at NeuroSolutions' network design product. They do a stand-alone, as well as a library set for interfacing with Matlab. I've used it a little during my research, but personally didn't like their graphical construction style. These days, I code all of my networks in Matlab from my own toolsets (I'm a long time Matlab user), because I find the NN toolbox doesn't do much of what I need. The SNNS is old, but still functional and so as a first step, I'd actually recommend you stick with it. When you hit its limits (and you'll know when this happens) then you can look for alternatives, which will probably require you to either purchase a license to a more recent commercial product, or write your own.

Cheers,

Timkin

I'm using Mathematica 5.2, with FANN for mathematica, which is free. The wolfram package for NN's for mathematica isn't free, which means I have to pay $$$ which means I can't use it. I also have Matlab 9, but haven't played around as much with that.

Quote: Original post by Sagar_Indurkhya
I also have Matlab 9, but haven't played around as much with that.

Matlab 9 !!

I think the latest release from the Mathworks is Matlab 7.2. Is this some other Matlab you are talking about?

Quote: Original post by sidhantdash

Quote: Original post by Sagar_Indurkhya
I also have Matlab 9, but haven't played around as much with that.

Matlab 9 !!

I think the latest release from the Mathworks is Matlab 7.2. Is this some other Matlab you are talking about?

Maybe he was talking about Maple. They are at Maple 10 now. I usually prefer it to Matlab, but I often mix the names.