Linux · Education & Science
NEST Desktop
Simulate spiking neuronal networks
by Sebastian Spreizer
Official site: flathub.org
About NEST Desktop
NEST Desktop is a web-based application which provides a graphical user interface for NEST Simulator. With this
easy-to-use tool, users can interactively construct neuronal networks and explore network dynamics.
Advanced users often choose NEST Simulator: a prominent tool for spiking neuronal networks to measure network
dynamics.However, programming knowledge is required to write code for this tool. NEST Desktop bypasses this
requirement, but still teaches users how to construct and explore neuronal networks. A textual script is generated
from the constructed networks and sent to NEST Simulator; the network activity is then visualized in a graph or
table. It is a useful teaching tool, since the network graphs and network activity visualizations can be exported
to files that users can implement for their course protocol.
How to install NEST Desktop
- Click Download — the developer's official website opens in a new tab.
- Download the latest version there and run it. Choose Custom/Advanced where offered, and skip any bundled extras.
- Prefer the command line? With Flatpak you can install and update it with: flatpak install flathub io.github.nest_desktop.nest-desktop
- Open NEST Desktop once it finishes installing.
Frequently asked questions
Is NEST Desktop free to download?
Yes. The Download button sends you to flathub.org, the developer's official site, where NEST Desktop is available to download. Flatnic doesn't host or modify any files.
How do I install NEST Desktop from the command line?
With Flatpak, run: flatpak install flathub io.github.nest_desktop.nest-desktop. This installs it from the official source and keeps it updated.
Is NEST Desktop safe?
NEST Desktop downloads directly from the developer. As always, scan the installer with your antivirus and choose Custom setup to skip any bundled extras.