223: A Boost for Nx, Lib Updates, and Passion Projects
Oct 8, 2024
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Discover the groundbreaking collaboration between José Valim and Chris McCord on AI GPU clusters with Fly.io. Learn about Nx's selection for Mozilla's Builders Accelerator, which comes with a $100,000 prize. The podcast also highlights PostgreSQL 17 enhancements and a major Cachex library update. Dive into the latest tools like Phoenix Test and its new file upload feature. Plus, explore Elixir's innovative role in SUSE’s Trento for Linux management and Kamal, a user-friendly deployment pipeline for Ruby.
Elixir is advancing in high-performance computing through integrations with Fly.io GPUs and Livebook, enhancing machine learning capabilities significantly.
The NX project has gained momentum with a $100,000 grant from Mozilla's Builders Accelerator, promoting open-source AI solutions for local execution.
Deep dives
Integration of Elixir with High Performance Computing
Elixir's potential in high-performance computing (HPC) is being explored through the integration with Fly.io GPUs and Livebook. A demonstration highlighted how Chris Granger utilizes 64 GPUs from a Livebook instance on his desktop, enabling rapid fine-tuning of machine learning models in just around 100 seconds. Jose Valim announced the intention to further enhance Livebook and the NX library for HPC, welcoming feedback from users in academic and corporate environments. This development signifies Elixir's growing relevance in the advanced computational sector, catering to demands for efficient programming in high-performance settings.
Mozilla's Support for the NX Project
The NX project in Elixir has received a significant endorsement through a $100,000 grant and participation in Mozilla's inaugural Builders Accelerator. This initiative, which aims to bolster the open-source AI ecosystem, selected NX from nearly 200 applications emphasizing local AI, which allows models to run without reliance on cloud servers. The involvement of prominent contributors like Paolo Valente was instrumental in securing this support, spotlighting the promising trajectory of Elixir's development within AI. The allocation of resources indicates a growing commitment to improving Elixir's capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
Major Updates in Elixir Libraries
Recent updates in Elixir libraries like Phoenix Test and CashX have introduced significant features that enhance functionality and efficiency. Phoenix Test's new upload function supports live file uploads within forms, improving development workflows, while CashX, now updated to version 4.0, offers features like time-based key expirations and support for distributed caching across application nodes. These updates not only streamline the development process but also strengthen the reliability of applications built with Elixir. Additionally, a notable update in the Geo library aligns with the latest GeoJSON specifications, showcasing the continuous evolution of Elixir libraries to meet modern standards and usability.
News includes José Valim and Chris McCord's collaboration on AI GPU clusters with Fly.io, Nx being selected for Mozilla's Builders Accelerator with a $100,000 award, Parker Selbert's highlights on PostgreSQL 17's improvements for the Oban project, a major update to the Cachex library, and an extension of the call for talks deadline for Alchemy Conf 2025, and more!