[NESTML 8.0.0](https://zenodo.org/uploads/12191059) contains simplifications in the language syntax and a more unambiguous definition of the semantics of language elements. It includes many improvements in documentation as well as new tutorials.
- Neuron and synapse models were combined into just "models". This means that the top-level keywords ``neuron`` and ``synapse`` should be replaced by ``model``. In order to distinguish which is which, the model names should either end in the suffixes ``_neuron`` and ``_synapse``, or alternatively, be passed in a list of ``neuron_models`` and ``synapse_models`` in the NEST code generator options (see https://nestml.readthedocs.io/en/latest/pynestml.codegeneration.html#pynestml.codegeneration.nest_code_generator.NESTCodeGenerator).
- The ``deliver_spike()`` built-in function was replaced by ``emit_spike()``, which is now used both by neuron and synapse.
- Synapse models should also call ``integrate_odes()`` explicitly in the ``update`` block if ODEs are defined in the synapse model.
- Variables corresponding to synaptic weight and delay should now be specified as code generator options rather than "nest::name" annotations in the synapse model itself (1044)
- NEST Desktop is added as a new target platform (802)
- Improved third-factory plasticity using a more efficient spike-based buffer (1078)
- Add predefined ``timestep()`` function (1100)
- A new "pretty" code rendering feature (1081)
- Small improvements in use interface and error reporting (1098, 1086)
- Fix for STDP buffer logic (1061, 1089)
- Fix for spike threshold check in aeif models (1096)
- Compartmental neuron model vectorisation for improved runtime performance (989)
It is currently in **release candidate status**, which means that
- this is the version we recommend you to use;
- we invite feedback, reports and feature requests on the GitHub issue tracker and the NEST-user mailing list;
- for citing this version, we already reserved a DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.12191059
- documentation corresponds to the "8.0.0-rc2" tag on [nestml.readthedocs.org](https://nestml.readthedocs.io/en/v8.0.0-rc2/)