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How the developing brain specifies precise neural connectivity has long interested neuroscientists. Because of the immense number of cells and synapses in the CNS, it seems unlikely that each individual cell's identity and connectivity is intrinsically or genetically specified. Both neural activity and molecular cues provide possible mechanisms by which network properties of the developing brain can emerge from relative disorder. Emphasizing the visual system as a model for synaptic development, we review the role of various factors in synaptic maturation, including sensory activity. Furthermore, we elucidate why the mouse visual system could prove advantageous for investigation of mechanisms governing circuit development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]