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Caffe
What Caffe is
Caffe is a deep learning framework for building and using models across visual classification, image similarity, speech, robotics, and other tasks. Models and optimization settings can be specified through configuration instead of hard-coded definitions. The framework offers command-line, Python, and MATLAB interfaces, and supports CPU operation or GPU operation with CUDA; NVIDIA cuDNN can provide GPU acceleration. It can also be built for CPU-only use. The Caffe Model Zoo provides tools and a format for sharing model information and downloading trained model binaries. Listed model formats are prototxt and caffemodel, with local training, on-premises deployment, and distributed training among the supported capabilities. Caffe is available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use. The installation guide covers several Linux distributions as well as OS X, Windows, Docker, and AWS. Make is officially supported for builds, while CMake support is community-provided. Caffe is free under the BSD 2-Clause license.
Who it suits
Caffe suits researchers, startup teams, and industrial users building deep learning projects, especially those working with C++, Python, or MATLAB and seeking CPU or CUDA-enabled GPU operation.
What it does well
- Free under the BSD 2-Clause license
- Configuration-based model and optimization definitions
- Command-line, Python, and MATLAB interfaces
- Supports CPU-only builds and CUDA GPU operation
- Model Zoo shares model information and trained binaries
What to know first
- GPU mode requires CUDA
- CMake builds are community supported
- No free trial is listed
Limits
GPU operation requires CUDA. The installation guide officially supports Make; CMake is community supported.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Caffe | BSD 2-Clause licensed deep learning framework | Free |
As caffe.berkeleyvision.org lists them, read 8 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Caffe website and follow the installation guide for a listed setup option.
- Choose a listed environment such as Ubuntu, Debian, OS X, RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Windows, Docker, or AWS.
- Build with Make, which is officially supported, or use community-supported CMake.
- Choose CPU-only mode or configure GPU operation with CUDA.
- Use the command-line, Python, or MATLAB interface to work with Caffe.
Verdict
Caffe brings configuration-based model setup, multiple interfaces, and CPU or GPU operation together in a free framework. Check the CUDA requirement for GPU use and the build support distinction before choosing an installation route.
Questions
How much does Caffe cost?
Caffe is free, listed as free.
Is Caffe open source?
Yes. It is released under the BSD 2-Clause license.
Which platforms or environments are listed?
The installation guide lists Ubuntu, Debian, OS X, RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Windows, Docker, and AWS setup options. The listed platforms also include Linux, macOS, Windows, and self-hosted use.
Can Caffe use a GPU?
Yes. GPU mode requires CUDA, and NVIDIA cuDNN can provide GPU acceleration. Caffe can also be built in CPU-only mode.
Which programming languages and model formats does it support?
Its listed supported languages are C++, Python, and MATLAB. Listed model formats are prototxt and caffemodel.
Who develops Caffe, and where can users get support?
Caffe is developed by Berkeley AI Research and community contributors. The project directs usage and installation questions to the caffe-users group and bug reports to GitHub Issues.
Facts from Caffe's own pages
- Acceleration
- Caffe can use NVIDIA cuDNN for GPU acceleration and can also be built in CPU-only mode. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The project describes use across academic research, startup prototypes, and industrial applications. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Builds
- The installation guide says Make is officially supported and CMake is community supported. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Compute
- Caffe supports CPU and GPU operation, with GPU mode requiring CUDA. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Design
- Caffe emphasizes expression, speed, modularity, openness, and community. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- Caffe provides command-line, Python, and MATLAB interfaces. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- License
- Caffe is released under the BSD 2-Clause license. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Model configuration
- Models and optimization can be defined with configuration rather than hard-coded. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Models
- The Caffe Model Zoo provides a format and tools for sharing model information and downloading trained model binaries. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Caffe is a deep learning framework developed by Berkeley AI Research and community contributors. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The site directs usage and installation questions to the caffe-users group and bug reports to GitHub Issues. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- The installation guide lists Ubuntu, Debian, OS X, RHEL, CentOS, Fedora, Windows, Docker, and AWS setup options. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The site describes Caffe models for visual classification, image similarity, speech, robotics, and other tasks. · caffe.berkeleyvision.org, 8 Oct 2026
Where Caffe stands on Freedom251
- Deep Learning Software#4 of 35