Neural networks for people who just want to fit() and predict()
A scikit-learn wrapper around Lasagne that trades flexibility for a familiar API.

What it does
scikit-neuralnetwork wraps Lasagne and Theano in a sklearn-compatible interface. You instantiate a Classifier or Regressor, stack Layer objects, call fit(), then predict() — no manual tensor wiring required. It handles MLPs, auto-encoders, and (according to the README) RNNs “soon.”
The interesting bit
The project explicitly bills itself as “Future Proof™” — a bold claim for 2015-era deep learning, when Theano still roamed the earth and “plans for blocks” sounded forward-looking. The real value isn’t novelty; it’s insulation. You get convolution, dropout, batch normalization, and seven optimizers without touching Theano’s debug-the-graph workflow.
Key highlights
- Full
sklearnAPI parity:fit,predict,score, plusnumpy,scipy.sparse, andpandasinput support. - Seven learning rules and four regularization schemes exposed as constructor arguments, not config files.
- 100% test coverage claimed, with CI via Travis and docs on ReadTheDocs.
- Optional bleeding-edge features (convolution, pooling) if you install Lasagne/Theano from master.
Caveats
- The “soon” for RNNs has been “soon” since at least the README’s writing; check current status before counting on it.
- Built on Theano and Lasagne — both now in maintenance mode or deprecated — so “Future Proof™” may need air quotes in 2024.
- Advanced features require manual dependency management outside PyPI’s stable releases.
Verdict
Good for scikit-learn veterans who need a neural net drop-in without framework commitment. Skip if you want PyTorch dynamism or already speak Keras fluently — this is a comfort blanket, not a power tool.