Software engineering methods for neural networks

Abstract

Neural networks have been used to solve a wide range of problems. Unfortunately, many of the applications of neural networks reported in the literature have been built in an ad-hoc manner, without being informed by the techniques and tools of software engineering. The problem with developing neural networks in an ad-hoc manner, using a "trial and error" or "build and fix" approach, is that successes are difficult to repeat. Building neural networks to solve specific problems using ad-hoc processes is repeatable only if there is a sufficient culture of disciplined practice and experienced people in the organisation to facilitate the process. In this paper we propose a set of methods for devel..