Freedom251 › Statistical Analysis Software
Stan Playground
What Stan Playground is
Stan Playground is a free, browser-based editor and execution environment for Stan statistical models. Models and analyses run locally in the browser without installation. A public compilation server builds models on demand and sends WebAssembly modules to the browser; it compiles but does not execute user-controlled code. Data can be entered as JSON or generated with Python or R scripts. The editor provides live compiler diagnostics and formatting, while sampling controls let users set parameters and monitor progress. Posterior diagnostics and visualizations support analysis. Projects are saved in browser local storage by default, exportable as ZIP files, or uploadable to a GitHub Gist. The tool integrates with Pyodide and webR, supports iframe embedding, and allows a custom compilation server configured with Docker, host, and port settings. It is intended for instruction, prototyping, analysis, and classroom projects.
Who it suits
Stan Playground suits learners, instructors, and analysts working with Stan models in a browser. It also fits users needing Python or R support, project sharing, embedding, or a self-managed compilation server.
What it does well
- Free browser-based environment
- No installation required
- Local model execution and sampling
- Python and R scripting support
- ZIP and GitHub Gist project export
What to know first
- Projects default to browser local storage
- Compilation depends on a public or custom server
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Stan Playground | Free public compilation server · models and analyses run locally in the browser | Free |
As stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Stan Playground provides a free in-browser workflow for building, sampling, and examining Stan models. Local execution, scripting, diagnostics, exports, and classroom-oriented sharing cover a wide range of learning and prototyping needs.
Facts from Stan Playground's own pages
- Analysis
- The app includes posterior diagnostics and visualizations, and supports Python or R scripts for further analysis. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Bayesian analysis
- Yes · stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Compilation
- A free public server compiles models on demand and provides WebAssembly modules to the browser. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Custom server
- Users can run their own compilation server; the setup instructions provide a Docker command and allow configuring a custom host and port. · flatironinstitute.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Data preparation
- Model data can be entered as JSON or generated with Python or R scripts. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- cloud · stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Editor
- The Stan editor provides on-the-fly compiler diagnostics and formatting. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Embedding
- Stan Playground can be embedded in another site using an iframe, with a compact layout and a helper script. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Installation
- Models and analyses run locally in the browser with no installation required. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project describes integration with Pyodide and webR, and its documentation says sharing integrates with GitHub Gists. · flatironinstitute.github.io, 11 Oct 2026
- Intended audience
- The paper describes the tool as an environment for instruction, prototyping, and analysis, including classroom use where students can open pre-populated project links. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Stan Playground is an in-browser editor and execution environment for Stan statistical models. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Sampling
- Users can control sampling parameters and monitor progress in real time. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Scripting support
- Yes · stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Security design
- The paper says sampling runs locally in the browser, while the public server only compiles models and does not execute user-controlled code. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Statistical tests
- No · stan-playground.flatironinstitute.org, 23 Sept 2026
- Storage and export
- Projects are saved in browser local storage by default and can be exported as ZIP files or uploaded to a GitHub Gist. · joss.theoj.org, 11 Oct 2026
Where Stan Playground stands on Freedom251
- Statistical Analysis Software#55 of 106