README.md

python_neural_network

Basic neural network completely from scratch in python (even no numpy). Not useful for real-world applications but taught me a ton about neural network architecture.

Import Network

import MeqNeuralNetwork

Create network class

nn = MeqNeuralNetwork.NeuralNetwork()

Adjust learning rate

nn.learningRate = 0.1

#The learning rate is multiplied to the backpropagation algorithm. It affects gradient descent and weight/bias decay.

Adjust weight decay

nn.weightDecay = 0.1

#Setting a weight decay of 0.1 for example will subtract 10% of the weight from itself. This in effect introduces an 

#incentive for smaller weights.

Adjust bias decay

nn.biasDecay =0.1

#Similar to weight decay

Adjust batch size

nn.batchSize = 1

#How many gradients will be calculated before any are applied.

Add layer

nn.addLayer(nodes, activation)

#nodes = how many nodes to put in the layer

#activation = which function to apply to the weighted sum. Default is "sigmoid" but "linear" is also supported. The 

#function for the input layer is irrelevant and has no effect.

Feed forward

nn.feedForward(inputValue, supervisorAnswer)

#inputValue = list of inputs

#supervisorAnswer = list of correct outputs

#Returns the network's error

Backpropagation

nn.backPropagation(error)

#error = error from a feedforward attempt.

#Most commonly used as: nn.backPropagation(nn.feedForward(inputValue, supervisorAnswer))

Guess

nn.guess(inputValue)

#inputValue = list of inputs

#Returns the network's answer