How to Install Keras With TensorFlow Backend on Linux

Introduction

Keras is a neural network library based on the Python programming language designed to simplify machine-learning applications. Keras runs on top of frameworks such as TensorFlow.

In this guide, learn how to install Keras and Tensorflow on a Linux system.

Prerequisites

• A Linux machine with access to a command-line/terminal
• A user account with sudo or root privileges
• The Python 3.5 – 3.8 development environment
• The Python3-pip package manager

How to Install Keras on Linux

Keras is built to work with many different machine learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow, Theano, R, PlaidML, and Microsoft Cognitive Toolkit. However, the best framework to use with Keras is TensorFlow.

This article will cover installing TensorFlow as well.

STEP 1: Install and Update Python3 and Pip

Skip this step if you already have Python3 and Pip on your machine.

If not, open the terminal and enter the following command, depending on your Linux distribution:

CentOS / RedHat:

sudo yum install python3 python3-pip

Type y when prompted. Let the installation complete the process.

Then, run this command to upgrade Pip:

sudo pip3 install ––upgrade pip

Ubuntu / Debian:

The process for these distributions is similar:

sudo apt install python3 python3.pip

sudo pip3 install ––upgrade pip

STEP 2: Upgrade Setuptools

To upgrade setuptools, enter the following:

pip3 install ––upgrade setuptools

Without this step, you may receive errors about certain packages requiring a different setuptools version than the one you have on your system.

STEP 3: Install TensorFlow

The TensorFlow installation is straightforward. Use Pip and this command to install it::

pip3 install tensorflow

Let the download and installation finish.

Verify the installation was successful by checking the software package information:

pip3 show tensorflow

The system should display the TensorFlow version and other data.

For a shorter input, use this command:

pip list | grep tensorflow

STEP 4: Install Keras

Finally, install Keras with the following command:

pip3 install keras

The terminal shows the confirmation message once the process completes.

Verify the installation by displaying the package information:

pip3 show keras

STEP 5: Install Keras from Git Clone (Optional)

If you have Git on your system, you can use it to clone a copy of the Keras software package from GitHub.

To clone the Keras package from GitHub, enter the following:

git clone https://github.com/keras-team/keras.git

Once the download completes, switch to the /keras directory:

cd keras

From there, run the Keras python installer:

sudo python3 setup.py install

The output shows the confirmation when the process completes:

Keras vs. TensorFlow

Keras and TensorFlow are both open-source software. TensorFlow is a software library for machine learning. Keras runs on top of TensorFlow and expands the capabilities of the base machine-learning software. Keras also makes implementation, testing, and usage more user-friendly.

Keras works with TensorFlow to provide an interface in the Python programming language. It works by using layers and models.

Layers

A layer is a processing unit. It accepts input, performs computations on that input, then outputs the transformed information.

A layer requires the following:

• Shape of input: Defines how the layer will make sense of the input information
• Initializer: Sets the weight, or importance, of each piece of information.
• Activator: Transforms the data into a non-linear form.

Models

A model is a group of layers. A model also includes training and inference modules – this is where machine learning comes into play. Each model has the following:

• Inputs: Scripts that send information into the Keras model.
• Outputs: The information that comes out after being transformed by the Keras model.
• Type: A model may be sequential, meaning that it is built one layer at a time to solve a problem. Or, it can be functional, where layers may interconnect in complex and non-linear ways.

Conclusion

By following the steps in this tutorial, you should have successfully installed Keras and Tensorflow on a Linux system with the necessary Python packages.

Next, you may be interested in learning why GPUs are used for Deep Learning algorithms.