Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
PyTorch
Definition
PyTorch is an open-source machine learning library based on the Torch library, used for applications such as computer vision and natural language processing. It was primarily developed by Facebook's AI Research lab (FAIR).
Why It Matters
PyTorch is one of the two most popular deep learning frameworks (along with TensorFlow). It is known for its simplicity, ease of use, and "Pythonic" feel, which has made it extremely popular in the research community.
Contextual Example
A PhD student working on a new deep learning architecture might prefer PyTorch for their experiments because its "eager execution" model makes it easier to debug and iterate quickly.
Common Misunderstandings
- While historically more popular in research, PyTorch has made significant strides in production readiness with tools like TorchServe.
- The choice between TensorFlow and PyTorch is often a matter of personal or team preference.