could inits set variables from inputs?

[tpapp]

Currently a node that is data has to be provided as an initial value, while other data needs to be provided as an input (eg in the tutorial example). Would it make sense to set all data nodes from inputs?

[brian-j-smith]

Typically, sampled stochastic nodes are given different initial values for each chain that is run; whereas, input (data and prior) values are constant across all chains. Thus, initial values and inputs are kept separate in Mamba, similar to how OpenBUGS, JAGS, and Stan operate.