Practical overview
When it fits
Use it as a code reference when learning how to refactor a PyTorch model into clearer, reusable components.
Who it is for
- PyTorch learners who want to structure neural-network code into reusable components.
- Developers comparing explicit custom modules with sequential layer blocks.
Documented uses
- Build a CNN classifier from a custom nn.Module.
- Group ordered layers into nn.Sequential blocks.
- Extract a repeated convolution, batch-normalization and ReLU pattern into a reusable helper.
Requirements & limits
The repository is public on GitHub.
- The README says the examples were updated for PyTorch 1.5.
- Although the title names ModuleList and ModuleDict, the available README material chiefly demonstrates Module and Sequential.
Check current requirements in the official documentation. Source-based guidance does not mean OpenViST has run or independently tested this project.
Build a CNN classifier from reusable PyTorch modules
Organize a CNN classifier by grouping layers into Sequential blocks and reusing a convolution-block helper.
Before you start
- PyTorch with the
torch.nnmodule, as used in the tutorial. - A CNN input with the dimensions expected by the example’s linear layer: 64 × 28 × 28 features after the convolutional blocks.
Steps
Subclass
nn.Moduleand define the classifier’s constructor andforwardmethod.Create a helper that returns an
nn.Sequentialcontaining a convolution, batch normalization, and ReLU.Use the helper to define convolutional blocks, and use
nn.Sequentialfor the decoder layers.In
forward, pass the input through the blocks, flatten it, and pass it through the decoder.
Expected outcome
A classifier organized around reusable convolutional blocks and a Sequential decoder, following the tutorial’s example.
Guide limitations
- The example is updated for PyTorch 1.5; compatibility with other versions is not established here.
- The linear decoder dimensions assume the feature size shown in the example.
- The available tutorial text does not document model training or evaluation.
Sources & review
Source record details
- Source availability
- Active
- Sources checked
- 17 October 2026
- Original website title
- FrancescoSaverioZuppichini/Pytorch-how-and-when-to-use-Module-Sequential-ModuleList-and-ModuleDict · Official homepage title · retained in its source language

