Pymc
K-DenseCommunityCreated by K-Dense Inc.
- Skill
- Tool integration
- Science and research
- MIT
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- Has scripts
AutoGineer summary
Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author
This skill provides a structured environment for Bayesian modeling using PyMC 6.3.2. It covers the full lifecycle of probabilistic analysis, including model definition, prior predictive checks, MCMC sampling via NUTS, and posterior diagnostics. The skill includes helper scripts for evaluating model convergence, performing PSIS-LOO model comparison, and generating diagnostic reports, ensuring that users can rigorously assess uncertainty and predictive performance.
What it does
- Defines generative Bayesian models with scientifically calibrated priors.
- Executes NUTS MCMC sampling for posterior inference.
- Performs prior and posterior predictive checks to validate model assumptions.
- Provides diagnostic tools for assessing convergence, including R-hat and ESS.
- Facilitates model comparison using PSIS-LOO and predictive model averaging.
- Includes templates for linear, hierarchical, and count-based regression models.
When to use it
- When performing probabilistic modeling and uncertainty quantification.
- When comparing multiple candidate models for predictive performance.
- When analyzing grouped or hierarchical data structures.
- When you need to validate model convergence beyond simple visual inspection.
- When building custom Bayesian models requiring specific likelihoods or priors.
Advantages
- Integrates standard diagnostic workflows to identify sampling issues.
- Supports complex hierarchical structures and non-centered parameterizations.
- Provides robust model comparison metrics using ArviZ 1.3.
- Encourages reproducible research by tracking seeds and data provenance.
- Includes pre-built templates for common statistical modeling patterns.
Usage examples
- “Run the hierarchical model template with 2 chains.”
- Executes the hierarchical_model_template.py script using uv, generating posterior samples and diagnostic artifacts in the specified output directory.
- “Check my model diagnostics for parameters alpha and beta.”
- Runs the check_diagnostics helper on your inference data, reporting R-hat, ESS, and any sampler-specific warnings like divergences.
- “Compare my linear and robust models using LOO.”
- Uses the compare_models helper to rank models by ELPD and provides a reliability check for the PSIS-LOO estimates.
Install
Download the skill as a ZIP:
https://mp-staging.autogineer.com/agent-skills/k-dense-ai/pymc/downloadUnzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:
mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip pymc.zip -d .agents/skills
Documentation by K-Dense Inc.
PyMC Bayesian Modeling
Version and scope
Targets PyMC 6.3.2, PyTensor 3.3.2, and ArviZ 1.3.0. These are local Python APIs, with no service endpoint, credentials, or remote inference required. The native tests use the PyMC NUTS sampler on small synthetic models. Optional nutpie/JAX samplers, SMC, and production-scale convergence are not validated by those tests. Record the complete resolved environment, backend, seeds, preprocessing, and data provenance for a scientific run.
Local macOS validation used PYTENSOR_FLAGS="cxx=" after the C linker failed
with library 'd64' not found; this disables PyTensor C compilation for that
process. The Python library workflows passed under that setting; it does not
establish that the C backend works on this host.
ArviZ 1 splits into base/stats/plots packages, re-exported by import arviz as az.
PyMC returns an xarray DataTree despite the legacy return_inferencedata option
name. az.summary(..., round_to="none") returns numerical columns; the default
formats for display. Use az.plot_ppc_dist, az.plot_dist, and
az.plot_trace_dist; save their returned PlotCollection, not a separate pyplot
figure. az.hdi(..., prob=.95) uses prob, with bounds along ci_bound.
Workflow
Define the estimand and predictive unit: another measurement, a new patient or group, or a future time block. Preserve units, missingness assumptions and grouping. Fit any scaling only on training data; reject constant columns.
Build a generative model with scientifically calibrated priors and named dimensions. Check likelihood support, finite initial log probability, design rank, confounding and symmetries before sampling.
Run a prior predictive check and inspect domain-relevant summaries before fitting. A broad prior is not automatically noninformative or plausible.
Fit several independent chains with explicit seeds. For reproducible backend selection use
nuts_sampler="pymc"; the automatic choice can prefer installed nutpie.nuts={...}replaces deprecatednuts_sampler_kwargs.Inspect rank R-hat, bulk/tail ESS, estimand-specific MCSE, divergences, energy BFMI and sampler-specific tree depth. Fix geometry and initialization before simply increasing draws. A clean screen does not prove convergence.
Generate posterior predictive replicates and inspect residual structure, tails, zeros, group effects and time dependence relevant to the question. In-sample agreement is not external validation or parameter identifiability.
Compare prior sensitivity and parameter recovery on synthetic data. Weakly informed scales, correlated parameters, separated logistic data, or mixture label switching can survive good MCMC diagnostics. A proper prior may make a posterior finite without the likelihood identifying its parameters.
Predict using the correct training transform and uncertainty levels. Keep
predictionsseparate from in-sampleposterior_predictive. Restore model data before recomputing training likelihoods.
See standard_workflow.md for a complete bounded API smoke example, workflows.md for missing values, scaling, predictive scoring and serialization, and model_patterns.md for model structures.
Runnable templates
From the skill directory, run the synthetic linear or hierarchical template:
uv run --isolated --with "pymc==6.3.2" --with "arviz==1.3.0" --with "pytensor==3.3.2" --with matplotlib --with pandas --with h5netcdf --with h5py python assets/linear_regression_template.py --draws 80 --tune 80 --chains 2 --output-dir linear_smoke
uv run --isolated --with "pymc==6.3.2" --with "arviz==1.3.0" --with "pytensor==3.3.2" --with matplotlib --with pandas --with h5netcdf --with h5py python assets/hierarchical_model_template.py --draws 80 --tune 80 --chains 2 --output-dir hierarchical_smokeThese short commands intentionally test execution and artifacts; they are not adequate evidence of converged scientific estimates. For a real analysis, inspect priors before fitting and budget chains/draws around diagnostics and required MCSE. The templates default to four chains and longer runs, but those counts are not acceptance criteria by themselves.
The hierarchical template predicts an unseen group by drawing group effects from every hyperposterior draw, sharing each group effect across that group's new rows, then adding observation noise. Using only population means omits between-group uncertainty. Centered, non-centered, and partial parameterizations can each be appropriate; non-centering is not universally superior.
Diagnostic and comparison helpers
Import the modules from this skill's scripts/ directory (add that directory to
sys.path when working elsewhere). Example fragments below assume fitted data:
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics, create_diagnostic_report
result = check_diagnostics(idata, var_names=["alpha", "beta", "sigma"])
create_diagnostic_report(idata, var_names=["alpha", "beta", "sigma"], output_dir="diagnostics")check_diagnostics flags nonfinite statistics and insufficient chains. It reports
missing HMC statistics as unavailable rather than claiming zero divergences.
It uses recorded reached_max_treedepth, or an explicit max_treedepth matching
the actual sampler; never infer the configured limit from the maximum observed
value. The default ESS floor of 400 is pooled across chains, a screening floor,
not a universal precision target. BFMI below 0.3 is a warning heuristic.
from scripts.model_comparison import compare_models, check_loo_reliability, model_averaging
models = {"linear": idata_linear, "robust": idata_robust}
check_loo_reliability(models, var_name="y_obs")
comparison = compare_models(models, var_name="y_obs")
mixture_draws, weights = model_averaging(models, var_name="y_obs", random_seed=42)Compute pointwise log likelihood while the model contains the training data:
pm.compute_log_likelihood(idata, model=model). Passing log_likelihood
through idata_kwargs still works in 6.3.2 but now emits a deprecation warning. ArviZ 1 az.compare ranks
PSIS-LOO ELPD and has no ic= argument. The helper retains ic="loo" as an
explicit compatibility option. WAIC is separate and is not a remedy for failed
PSIS diagnostics. Use each LOO result's good_k threshold, refit influential
holdouts or choose structured cross-validation when needed.
Comparisons require identical outcomes, ordering, scale, likelihood measure and predictive unit. A higher ELPD is preferable for that target; inspect paired score uncertainty and diagnostics before ranking. Stacking weights are predictive combination weights, not posterior model probabilities.
Version 2 behavior change: model_averaging now samples a predictive mixture
with shape (sample, *prediction_dimensions), preserving both within-model and
between-model variation. It returns weights in input model order and rejects
missing/misaligned predictions or invalid weights. Pointwise averages of paired
posterior draws are not draws from a mixture. Use an explicit group="predictions"
for new data; the default is posterior_predictive.
Distribution and inference choices
Continuous outcomes: Normal or Student-t with scale calibrated to units.
Counts: Poisson for equidispersion, NegativeBinomial for overdispersion; audit the zero-generating mechanism before adding a hurdle or zero-inflation term.
Binary outcomes: Bernoulli with
logit_p; priors must remain plausible on the probability scale, especially under separation.Positive scales: HalfNormal, Exponential or Gamma with domain-specific scales.
Covariance:
LKJCholeskyCov; ordinarydimslabels do not align PyTensor math.VI:
pm.fitprovides approximations that can miss modes and underestimate uncertainty. Finite ELBO and good ESS on approximation draws do not establish posterior accuracy. Compare against MCMC on a feasible representative model.
See distributions.md for parameter conventions and sampling_inference.md for NUTS, discrete sampling, variational inference, prediction semantics and limitations.
Primary sources
Reviewed 2026-10-01: PyMC sampling, data containers, forward sampling source, ArviZ LOO, comparison, predictive plots.
Citing Scientific Agent Skills
This skill is part of Scientific Agent Skills by K-Dense. If it materially contributed to a manuscript, report, presentation, or code release, add the paper to the references or software section and tell the user you did so:
Kassis, T., Agarwal, V., He, Y., Patel, D., & Brueckner, A. M. (2026). Scientific Agent Skills: A Library of Procedural Knowledge for Research Agents. arXiv:2609.00065. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.00065
Always cite the current version. The DOI and https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.00065 resolve to the
latest arXiv version, so never append a version suffix such as v1. When network access is
available, fetch https://arxiv.org/abs/2609.00065 (or
http://export.arxiv.org/api/query?id_list=2609.00065) before writing the reference and take
the author list, year, and version from that record. If the record lists a journal reference
or publisher DOI, cite the published version instead.
Files
- ATTRIBUTION.mdAdded by AutoGineer959 B
- LICENSELicence file added by AutoGineer1.0 KiB
- SKILL.md10.5 KiB
- assets/hierarchical_model_template.pyScript5.7 KiB
- assets/linear_regression_template.pyScript4.6 KiB
- references/distributions.md14.5 KiB
- references/model_patterns.md4.5 KiB
- references/sampling_inference.md7.9 KiB
- references/standard_workflow.md4.8 KiB
- references/workflows.md7.6 KiB
- scripts/model_comparison.pyScript14.4 KiB
- scripts/model_diagnostics.pyScript9.0 KiB
scripts/model_diagnostics.py
"""
PyMC Model Diagnostics Script
Comprehensive diagnostic checks for PyMC models.
Run this after sampling to validate results before interpretation.
Usage:
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics, create_diagnostic_report
# Quick check
check_diagnostics(idata)
# Full report with plots
create_diagnostic_report(idata, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'], output_dir='diagnostics/')
"""
import arviz as az
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
from pathlib import Path
def check_diagnostics(idata, var_names=None, ess_threshold=400, rhat_threshold=1.01,
max_treedepth=None, bfmi_threshold=0.3):
"""Screen MCMC draws; a clean screen is not proof of convergence or identification.
Targets PyMC 6 / ArviZ 1 DataTree objects. ESS is pooled across chains.
Supply the sampler's configured max_treedepth when it does not record
reached_max_treedepth. Missing HMC statistics are reported as unavailable,
not silently counted as zero. VI draws are not independent MCMC chains.
"""
import numpy as np
if ess_threshold <= 0 or not np.isfinite(ess_threshold):
raise ValueError("ess_threshold must be finite and positive")
if not np.isfinite(rhat_threshold) or rhat_threshold < 1:
raise ValueError("rhat_threshold must be finite and at least 1")
if max_treedepth is not None and (max_treedepth <= 0 or int(max_treedepth) != max_treedepth):
raise ValueError("max_treedepth must be a positive integer or None")
if not np.isfinite(bfmi_threshold) or bfmi_threshold <= 0:
raise ValueError("bfmi_threshold must be finite and positive")
if not hasattr(idata, 'posterior') or not idata.posterior.data_vars:
raise ValueError("A nonempty posterior group is required")
summary = az.summary(idata, var_names=var_names, round_to="none")
if summary.empty:
raise ValueError("No posterior variables selected")
issues, unavailable = [], []
results = {'summary': summary, 'issues': issues, 'unavailable': unavailable}
if idata.posterior.sizes.get('chain', 0) < 2:
issues.append('insufficient_chains')
diagnostic_columns = ['r_hat', 'ess_bulk', 'ess_tail']
if not np.isfinite(summary[diagnostic_columns].to_numpy()).all():
issues.append('nonfinite_diagnostics')
if (summary['r_hat'] > rhat_threshold).any():
issues.append('convergence')
if (summary[['ess_bulk', 'ess_tail']] < ess_threshold).any().any():
issues.append('low_ess')
stats = getattr(idata, 'sample_stats', None)
if stats is not None and 'diverging' in stats:
divergences = stats['diverging'].values
if not np.isfinite(divergences).all():
issues.append('nonfinite_sampler_stats')
else:
count = int(divergences.sum())
if count:
results['n_divergences'] = count
issues.append('divergences')
else:
unavailable.append('divergences')
if stats is not None and 'reached_max_treedepth' in stats:
hit_values = stats['reached_max_treedepth'].values
if not np.isfinite(hit_values).all():
issues.append('nonfinite_sampler_stats')
elif hit_values.any():
issues.append('max_treedepth')
elif stats is not None and 'tree_depth' in stats and max_treedepth is not None:
depth = stats['tree_depth'].values
if not np.isfinite(depth).all():
issues.append('nonfinite_sampler_stats')
elif (depth >= max_treedepth).any():
issues.append('max_treedepth')
else:
unavailable.append('max_treedepth')
if stats is not None and 'energy' in stats:
# ArviZ 1.x returns a DataTree with one energy BFMI value per chain.
bfmi = np.asarray(az.bfmi(idata)['energy'].values)
results['bfmi'] = bfmi
if not np.isfinite(bfmi).all():
issues.append('nonfinite_bfmi')
elif (bfmi < bfmi_threshold).any():
issues.append('low_bfmi')
else:
unavailable.append('bfmi')
results['has_issues'] = bool(issues)
print('[WARN] Diagnostic flags: ' + ', '.join(issues) if issues else
'[OK] No flags in the available numerical diagnostics')
if unavailable:
print('[INFO] Unavailable checks: ' + ', '.join(unavailable))
print('Inspect traces, MCSE for the estimand, prior sensitivity and predictive checks.')
print('This screen does not establish convergence, identifiability or model validity.')
return results
def create_diagnostic_report(idata, var_names=None, output_dir='diagnostics/', show=False):
"""
Create comprehensive diagnostic report with plots.
Parameters
----------
idata : xarray.DataTree
Posterior object from pm.sample()
var_names : list, optional
Variables to plot. If None, uses all model parameters
output_dir : str
Directory to save diagnostic plots
show : bool
Whether to display plots (default: False, just save)
Returns
-------
dict
Diagnostic results from check_diagnostics
"""
# Create output directory
output_path = Path(output_dir)
output_path.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
# Run diagnostic checks
results = check_diagnostics(idata, var_names=var_names)
print(f"\nGenerating diagnostic plots in '{output_dir}'...")
# ArviZ 1.x plots return a PlotCollection and do not draw into pyplot's
# current figure, so the figure must be saved through the collection --
# plt.savefig() would write a blank image.
def _save(plot_collection, filename, label):
plot_collection.savefig(
output_path / filename, dpi=300, bbox_inches='tight'
)
print(f" [OK] Saved {label}")
if show:
plt.show()
else:
plt.close(plot_collection.viz['figure'].item())
# 1. Trace plots
_save(
az.plot_trace_dist(idata, var_names=var_names),
'trace_plots.png',
'trace plots',
)
# 2. Rank plots (check mixing)
_save(
az.plot_rank(idata, var_names=var_names),
'rank_plots.png',
'rank plots',
)
# 3. Autocorrelation plots
_save(
az.plot_autocorr(idata, var_names=var_names),
'autocorr_plots.png',
'autocorrelation plots',
)
# 4. Energy plot (if available)
if hasattr(idata, 'sample_stats') and 'energy' in idata.sample_stats:
_save(az.plot_energy(idata), 'energy_plot.png', 'energy plot')
# 5. ESS plot. ArviZ 1.x offers 'local' and 'quantile'; the old
# 'evolution' kind no longer exists.
_save(
az.plot_ess(idata, var_names=var_names, kind='local'),
'ess_local.png',
'local ESS plot',
)
# Save summary to CSV
results['summary'].to_csv(output_path / 'summary_statistics.csv')
print(f" [OK] Saved summary statistics")
print(f"\nDiagnostic report complete! Files saved in '{output_dir}'")
return results
def compare_prior_posterior(idata, prior_idata, var_names=None, output_path=None):
"""
Compare prior and posterior distributions.
Parameters
----------
idata : xarray.DataTree
Posterior object with posterior samples
prior_idata : xarray.DataTree
Prior object with prior samples
var_names : list, optional
Variables to compare. Defaults to the first three posterior variables.
output_path : str, optional
If provided, save plot to this path
Returns
-------
arviz_plots.PlotCollection
The overlaid prior/posterior figure.
"""
if var_names is None:
var_names = list(idata.posterior.data_vars)[:3]
# ArviZ 1.x plot functions take a DataTree and a group name, not a flat
# array plus an axis. Passing the first call's PlotCollection back into the
# second is what overlays the two distributions on the same axes.
collection = az.plot_dist(
prior_idata,
group='prior',
var_names=var_names,
visuals={'dist': {'color': 'blue'}},
)
az.plot_dist(
idata,
group='posterior',
var_names=var_names,
plot_collection=collection,
visuals={'dist': {'color': 'green'}},
)
if output_path:
collection.savefig(output_path, dpi=300, bbox_inches='tight')
print(f"Prior-posterior comparison saved to {output_path}")
print("Prior is blue, posterior is green")
else:
plt.show()
return collection
# Example usage
if __name__ == '__main__':
print("This script provides diagnostic functions for PyMC models.")
print("\nExample usage:")
print("""
import pymc as pm
from scripts.model_diagnostics import check_diagnostics, create_diagnostic_report
# After sampling
with pm.Model() as model:
# ... define model ...
idata = pm.sample()
# Quick diagnostic check
results = check_diagnostics(idata)
# Full diagnostic report with plots
create_diagnostic_report(
idata,
var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'],
output_dir='my_diagnostics/'
)
""")
Requirements and compatibility
Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta
“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.
Needs: Declares allowed tools, Needs network access, Needs Python
The author says: Requires Python 3.12+ with PyMC 6.3.2, PyTensor 3.3.2 and ArviZ 1.3-compatible dependencies; NumPy, pandas, Matplotlib, h5netcdf and h5py for bundled helpers/artifacts. Network access for installation only. Optional nutpie, NumPyro and BlackJAX samplers need separate dependencies.
Security
What our scanner noticed· Low risk
- Scripts that your agent may run
This skill includes scripts that your agent may run. Read them before you use it.
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Attribution and licence
- Created by
- K-Dense Inc.
- Publisher
- K-Dense (Community)
- Source
- K-Dense-AI/scientific-agent-skills · skills/pymc · commit a25cf9e
- Licence
- MIT License (redistribution allowed)
- LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE.md)
- ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
- Synced
AutoGineer is not affiliated with or endorsed by K-Dense Inc. or K-Dense.
Download ZIP
The ZIP holds the skill’s files, its licence files and an ATTRIBUTION.md. Download pymc.zip