Deep Learning

Elephas – distributed deep learning with Keras and Spark

Last Updated on March 16, 2026

Elephas brings deep learning with Keras to Spark. Elephas intends to keep the simplicity and high usability of Keras, thereby allowing for fast prototyping of distributed models, which can be run on massive data sets.

Elephas implements a class of data-parallel algorithms on top of Keras, using Spark’s RDDs and data frames. Keras Models are initialized on the driver, then serialized and shipped to workers, alongside with data and broadcasted model parameters. Spark workers deserialize the model, train their chunk of data and send their gradients back to the driver. The “master” model on the driver is updated by an optimizer, which takes gradients either synchronously or asynchronously.

This is free and open source software.

Website: github.com/danielenricocahall/elephas
Support: GitHub code repository
Developer: Max Pumperla
License: MIT License

Elephas is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.


Related Software

Deep Learning with Python
TensorFlowA very popular Deep Learning framework
PyTorchTensors and Dynamic neural networks in Python
KerasHigh-level neural networks API
fastaiSimplifies training fast and accurate neural nets using modern best practices
PyTensorLibrary for fast numerical computation
ElephasDistributed deep learning with Keras and Spark
ChainerPowerful, flexible, and intuitive framework for neural networks
CaffeConvolutional Architecture for Fast Feature Embedding
TFlearnDeep learning library featuring a higher-level API for TensorFlow
MXNetFlexible and efficient library
CNTKDistributed deep learning
NeupyPython library for Artificial Neural Networks and Deep Learning

Read our verdict in the software roundup.


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