nn.Sequential for Quick Models
Chain layers without a custom class.
nn.Sequential for Quick Models is a free Deep Learning Academy lesson on CoddyKit — lesson 3 of 4. You can read the complete lesson below for free — then practise it hands-on in the browser with a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor. It is part of the Deep Learning Academy learning path, one of 4 lessons in the course, and your progress syncs across the web and the CoddyKit app.
A Shortcut for Simple Nets
When data flows straight through layers in order, nn.Sequential lets you skip writing a full custom class.
List Your Layers in Order
You pass the layers as arguments, and Sequential runs them one after another. The order you list them is the order they execute.
model = nn.Sequential(
nn.Linear(4, 16),
nn.ReLU(),
nn.Linear(16, 3))Activations Go Inside Too
Activations are modules as well, so drop nn.ReLU() right between your linear layers in the list.
Call It Like Any Model
A Sequential model is still an nn.Module, so you run it with model(x) exactly like a custom class.
output = model(input_tensor)No forward to Write
Sequential supplies the forward pass for you, feeding the output of each layer into the next automatically.
Perfect for Linear Pipelines
It shines when there are no branches or skips, just a clean chain from input to output.
Add Names With OrderedDict
Pass an OrderedDict to give each layer a readable name, which makes printing the model much clearer.
from collections import OrderedDict
nn.Sequential(OrderedDict(fc1=nn.Linear(4,8)))Index Into the Layers
You can reach any layer by position, since Sequential acts like a list. This helps you inspect or tweak one part.
first_layer = model[0]When to Switch Back
Need an if-branch, a skip connection, or reused layers? Then go back to a custom nn.Module instead.
Nest for Structure
You can even put a Sequential inside another to group related layers into a tidy block.
Readable at a Glance
For straightforward models, Sequential is shorter and easier to scan. Less code means fewer bugs. ✨
Quick Check
Think about the kind of model that fits nn.Sequential best.
Recap
Use nn.Sequential to chain layers in order without writing forward. Reach for a custom class only when you need branches or skips. 🎯
Frequently asked questions
Is the “nn.Sequential for Quick Models” lesson free?
Yes — the full text of “nn.Sequential for Quick Models” is free to read here on the web, and the Deep Learning Academy course includes 4 lessons in total. To practise it interactively (a built-in code editor and a 24/7 AI tutor) and unlock the rest of the Deep Learning Academy course, upgrade to CoddyKit PRO.
What will I learn in “nn.Sequential for Quick Models”?
Chain layers without a custom class. You practise Deep Learning Academy with hands-on code you run directly in the browser, and a 24/7 AI tutor answers your questions as you work through the lesson.
Do I need any experience to start Deep Learning Academy?
No prior experience is required. Deep Learning Academy on CoddyKit is structured for beginners through advanced learners; this is — lesson 3 of 4, so you can start here or from the beginning and move at your own pace.
How long does the “nn.Sequential for Quick Models” lesson take?
Most CoddyKit lessons take about 5–10 minutes. Each one is bite-sized and interactive, so you make steady progress and pick up exactly where you left off across the web and the app.
Can I write and run code in this Deep Learning Academy lesson?
Yes. Every Deep Learning Academy lesson includes a built-in code editor, so you write and run real code right in your browser and get instant AI feedback — no local setup required.
All lessons in this course
- Subclass nn.Module: __init__ and forward
- Stacking Linear Layers
- nn.Sequential for Quick Models
- Inspect Parameters and Layer Shapes