Architecture of Advanced Numerical Analysis Systems: Designing a Scientific Computing System using OCaml

This book is about the functional OCaml programming language, which is used in numerical or computational weighted data science, engineering, and scientific applications. It is based on the authors' experience building and maintaining Owl, an OCaml-based numerical computing library, and provides knowledge to design and build complex systems that leverage the advantages of the OCaml functional programming language.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 472 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: APress

This groundbreaking open-access book employs the versatile OCaml programming language to tackle numerical or computational weighted data science, engineering, and scientific applications. Drawing from the authors' firsthand experience in developing and maintaining Owl, an OCaml-based numerical computing library, this book offers a comprehensive guide to building and optimizing modern numerical computation libraries.

In the first chapter, readers will delve into the various components of a modern numerical computation library. They will explore the design and construction of these components, gaining insights into their optimization techniques. By the end of this chapter, readers will have a solid foundation in understanding the building blocks of a powerful numerical computing library.

The second chapter will focus on designing and implementing an industry-level algorithmic differentiation module. Readers will learn how to optimize core operations based on N-dimensional arrays, enabling them to develop efficient algorithms for complex mathematical problems. This chapter will also introduce the concept of algorithmic differentiation, a powerful tool for building mathematical optimization, regression, and deep neural network functionalities.

In the third chapter, readers will delve into the implementation of mathematical optimization, regression, and deep neural network functionalities based on algorithmic differentiation. They will learn how to design and optimize computation graphs, which are essential for efficient execution of numerical computations. Readers will also explore the benefits of using the Zoo system for scripting, code sharing, service deployment, and composition.

The fourth chapter will focus on designing and optimizing a distributed computing engine to work with a numerical computing library. Readers will learn how to accommodate the growing number of hardware accelerators (e.g., GPU, TPU) and execution backends (e.g., web browser, unikernel) of numerical computation. They will also explore the use of the Zoo system for efficient scripting, code sharing, service deployment, and composition.

The fifth chapter will introduce readers to the concept of distributed computing and its applications in numerical computing. Readers will learn how to design and implement a distributed computing engine that provides convenient APIs and high performance. This chapter will also discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with distributed computing and provide insights into how to overcome them.

Who This Book Is For
This book is designed for individuals with prior programming experience, especially with the OCaml programming language, or with scientific computing experience who may be new to OCaml. Most importantly, it is for those who are eager to understand not only how to use something but also how it is built up.

Whether you are a software engineer, data scientist, or researcher, this book will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to design and build real-world complex systems that effectively leverage the advantages of the OCaml functional programming language. By the end of this book, you will have the knowledge and tools necessary to take your numerical computing projects to the next level.

Weight: 920g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781484288528
Edition number: 1st ed.