keras ignoring values in $HOME/.keras/keras.json file

Question

I know the default backend for Keras has switched from Theano to TensorFlow, but with the dev version of Theano I can train on the GPU with OpenCL (I have an AMD card).

Answer 1

Same issue here, system setup:

• Ubuntu 16.04
• Anaconda + Python 3.6
• Keras 2.0.2

The only way to change backend is to use KERAS_BACKEND environment variable. Json field is ignored.

EDIT: The issue is Anaconda, open anaconda3/envs/ENV-NAME/etc/conda/activate.d/keras_activate.sh

#!/bin/bash
if [ "$(uname)" == "Darwin" ]
then
    # for Mac OSX
    export KERAS_BACKEND=tensorflow
elif [ "$(uname)" == "Linux" ]
then
    # for Linux
    export KERAS_BACKEND=theano
fi

You'll see that tensorflow is forced for MAC, and Theano for Linux.

I have no idea who creates this file, keras or anaconda, and the reasoning behind this forcing. I'm just ignoring it and doing my own way:)