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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Now that I've installed NEURON, how do I run it?

To start NEURON and bring up the NEURON Main Menu toolbar (which you can use to build new models and load existing ones) :

  • UNIX/Linux : type nrngui or nrngui -python at the system prompt. (The -python flag will give you a Python prompt instead of a HOC prompt.)
  • OS X : double click on the nrngui icon in the folder where you installed NEURON.
  • MSWin : double click on the nrngui icon in the NEURON Program Group (or in the desktop NEURON folder).

To start NEURON from python and bring up the NEURON Main Menu, launch "python" then type

from neuron import h, gui

To make NEURON read a file called foo.hoc when it starts :

  • UNIX/Linux : type nrngui foo.hoc at the system prompt. This also works for ses files.
  • OS X : drag and drop foo.hoc onto the nrngui icon. This also works for ses files.
  • MSWin : use Windows Explorer (not Internet Explorer) to navigate to the directory where foo.hoc is located, and then double click on foo.hoc . This does not work for ses files.

To exit NEURON : type quit() or ^D ("control D") at the oc> or >>> prompt, or use File --> Quit in the NEURON Main Menu toolbar.

What's the best way to learn how to use NEURON?

First be sure to join The NEURON Forum. If you have time, watch our course videos <training_videos>; the material in each course varies, but they generally include a mix of theory and applications. Then read these suggestions <how_to_get_started>.

What is a ses (session) file? Can I edit it?

A session file is a plain text file that contains hoc statements that will recreate the windows that were saved to it. It is often quite informative to examine the contents of a ses file, and sometimes it is very useful to change the file's contents with a text editor. Read this <saveses> for more information.

Why should I use an odd value for nseg?

So there will always be a node at 0.5 (the middle of a section).

Read about this in NEURON: a Tool for Neuroscientists by Hines & Carnevale.

What units does NEURON use for current, concentration, etc?

If you're using the GUI, you've probably noticed that buttons next to numeric fields generally indicate the units, such as (mV), (nA), (ms) for millivolt, nanoamp, or millisecond.

Here's a chart of the units that NEURON uses by default <units> along with information on validating units and defining new units in NMODL.

Is there a list of functions that are built into NEURON?

For available functions when scripting or interactively using NEURON, see the Python programmer's reference or the HOC programmer's reference as appropriate. (Standard Python functions and libraries may be used as well.)

For functions available when defining ion channel mechanisms etc with NMODL, see here <nmodlfunc>.

nmodlfunc