# libfann/fann

Official github repository for Fast Artificial Neural Network Library (FANN)

Repository: https://github.com/libfann/fann
Canonical: https://ross.abutalabs.com/products/fann
Language: C++
License: LGPL-2.1
License Family: copyleft
Topics: fann, c, neural-network, library
Last push: 2026-07-06T15:29:11+00:00

## Health v2 (maintenance only)
Score: 73/100 (v2, computed 2026-09-02T17:46:02.011165+00:00)
- activity 91, release rhythm 35, longevity 100
- inputs: {"age_days": 4658, "days_push": 58, "days_rel": null, "gap_med": null, "n_releases_24m": 0}
- flags: no_releases
- formula: round(0.45*activity + 0.35*rhythm + 0.20*longevity); archived -> min(score, 10)

## Adoption (not part of the score)
Stars 1750, forks 398 (observed 2026-08-28T04:05:31.125357+00:00)

## What it is
Fast Artificial Neural Network (FANN) is a free open-source C library implementing multilayer neural networks with fully and sparsely connected topologies. It supports backpropagation and cascade2 training in fixed and floating point, with bindings to 15+ languages and cross-platform builds.

## Use cases
- train a small feedforward neural network in C
- run neural network inference on embedded or fixed-point hardware
- experiment with RPROP or Quickprop training algorithms
- embed a lightweight ANN in a desktop application
- save and load trained neural network models to disk
- learn neural network fundamentals with a simple C API

## When to choose
- you need a fast, lightweight C library for classic feedforward networks
- you need fixed-point arithmetic for embedded or low-resource targets
- you want a simple API with minimal dependencies and LGPL licensing
- you need bindings for many languages from one core library

## When to avoid
- you need modern deep learning features like CNNs, RNNs, or GPU acceleration
- you want an actively developed ecosystem with community support
- you need automatic differentiation or autograd-style tooling
- your project is Python-first and you prefer PyTorch or TensorFlow

## Facets
- artifact type: library
- maturity: maintenance
- function: machine-learning, deep-learning
- domain: machine-learning, artificial-intelligence, cross-platform
- platform: windows, cross-platform, cpp, c
- tags: neural-networks, backpropagation, fixed-point, language-bindings, c-library, linux, macos

## Member repositories
- libfann/fann (main) score 73

## Provenance
- Observed fields: from GitHub, fetched 2026-08-28T04:05:31.125357+00:00.
- Health v2: computed from the inputs above; adoption is never an input.
- Inferred fields (summary, facets, guidance): AI-extracted, prompt v1, taxonomy v1, on 2026-08-30T03:28:45.001794+00:00, confidence not recorded.
  - readme: https://github.com/libfann/fann (fetched 2026-08-28T04:05:31.125357+00:00, sha fbcd3f5ab3bb)
- Data as of 2026-08-30T08:39:29.467469+00:00.