> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://elishai.gitbook.io/retinal-stimulation-modeling-environment/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://elishai.gitbook.io/retinal-stimulation-modeling-environment/model-specification.md).

# Model specification

RSME comprises a NeuroML- inspired XML-based specification interface and a dedicated parsing engine, which supports detailed biophysical, morphological, network architecture, and stimulation parameters. It features a set of mechanisms for retinal circuitry-related specifications.

![](/files/-MlQM2LlKsxvrLwBa22P)

Learn about NeuroML in:

{% embed url="<https://neuroml.org/>" %}

Model specification is mostly based on several XML files, as it is detailed below. Note that some model parameters are specified in the code, and not in the XML. Those parameters are used to optimize the model using a genetic algorithm as will be discussed later.

Learn more about XML files and their Python-based processing in:

{% embed url="<https://docs.python.org/3.8/library/xml.etree.elementtree.html>" %}

{% hint style="success" %}
When the RSME model is initialized, the path for the XML files should be provided. We recommend **creating a "simulation\_parameters" folder** inside the project directory.  Inside this folder, create five XML files
{% endhint %}