As we all know, a neural network is just a computable math expression (and hence a program).
Can we add 'ordinary' programming construct to a 'neural network', like branch, loop, pair, sum, list, and function?
Of course, I must still be able to train the network.
Yes! I had add all the above construct, and I am planning to add more (tree, map, set, for example).
They all had their own special gradient structure to propagate loss accordingly.
However, in the end of the day, what is updated is only container of double (or other representation of real). Having those construct only make you right networks easier, but does not offer fundamentally different learning capability.
Can we make the language typed so we can detect error before we train the network?
Sort of. I am able to type most stuff, but I am having trouble adding higher kinded type/generic type. However, they can be written as Haskell function (macro in DDF).
Can we make the language modular and extensible so all people can write all sorts of Chuck Norris move into the language?
Yes Yes Yes! The whole language is structured in finally tagless style, so, it is possible to add new operation/constructor, and still retain type safety.
In fact, there isn't even a core language! All feature(function, double, back propagation, pretty printing) is added as ordinary plugin so you can extend/subset the language as you can wish.
You should read the blog before anything.
We have an annotated example on how to use our code. More documentation is coming up.
If you want to look into the code base, it is necessary to understand Finally Tagless.
Q: How is the speed?
A: Unoptimized. This is more of a proof of concept that we can use function in neural network, than something that can get you good kaggle score right off the shelf.
Q: Why does this work theoretically?
A: See DDFADC
Q: What does this have to do with Yang Bo's DeepLearning.scala?
A: We work on a prototype for 2-3 months, and split apart.
Q: You seems to have a space in FAQ.
A: I like it that way.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I am trying to add a neural network demo.
This is heavily inspired by Neural Networks, Types, and Functional Programming, and my colleague, Yang Bo.