Title
Probabilistic programming in Python using PyMC3.
Abstract
Probabilistic programming allows for automatic Bayesian inference on user-defined probabilistic models. Recent advances in Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling allow inference on increasingly complex models. This class of MCMC, known as Hamiltonian Monte Carlo, requires gradient information which is often not readily available. PyMC3 is a new open source probabilistic programming framework written in Python that uses Theano to compute gradients via automatic differentiation as well as compile probabilistic programs on-the-fly to C for increased speed. Contrary to other probabilistic programming languages, PyMC3 allows model specification directly in Python code. The lack of a domain specific language allows for great flexibility and direct interaction with the model. This paper is a tutorial-style introduction to this software package.
Year
DOI
Venue
2016
10.7717/peerj-cs.55
PEERJ COMPUTER SCIENCE
Keywords
DocType
Volume
Bayesian statistic,Probabilistic Programming,Python,Markov chain Monte Carlo,Statistical modeling
Journal
4
ISSN
Citations 
PageRank 
2376-5992
39
1.77
References 
Authors
8
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
John Salvatier1492.45
Thomas V. Wiecki2391.77
Christopher Fonnesbeck3412.86