NESTML 8.0.0-rc3

NESTML 8.0.0 contains simplifications in the language syntax and a more unambiguous definition of the semantics of language elements. It includes many improvements in documentation as well as new tutorials.

• Neuron and synapse models were combined into just "models". This means that the top-level keywords neuron and synapse should be replaced by model. In order to distinguish which is which, the model names should either end in the suffixes _neuron and _synapse, or alternatively, be passed in a list of neuron_models and synapse_models in the NEST code generator options (see https://nestml.readthedocs.io/en/latest/pynestml.codegeneration.html#pynestml.codegeneration.nest_code_generator.NESTCodeGenerator).
• The deliver_spike() built-in function was replaced by emit_spike(), which is now used both by neuron and synapse.
• Synapse models should also call integrate_odes() explicitly in the update block if ODEs are defined in the synapse model.
• Variables corresponding to synaptic weight and delay should now be specified as code generator options rather than "@nest::name" annotations in the synapse model itself (#1044)
• NEST Desktop is added as a new target platform (#802)
• Improved third-factory plasticity using a more efficient spike-based buffer (#1078)
• Add predefined timestep() function (#1100)
• A new "pretty" code rendering feature (#1081)
• Small improvements in use interface and error reporting (#1098, #1086)
• Fix for STDP buffer logic (#1061, #1089)
• Fix for spike threshold check in aeif models (#1096)
• Compartmental neuron model vectorisation for improved runtime performance (#989)

It is currently in release candidate status, which means that

• this is the version we recommend you to use;
• we invite feedback, reports and feature requests on the GitHub issue tracker and the NEST-user mailing list;
• for citing this version, we already reserved a DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12191059
• documentation corresponds to the "8.0.0-rc2" tag on nestml.readthedocs.org