Can you do AI /Machine Learning in Ruby? - RUBY 603
Aug 3, 2023
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Landon Gray, a Compassionate Consultant and AI/ML Enthusiast, talks about using AI/ML in the Ruby community. They explore Ruby projects that used AI/ML, challenges and importance of using open source models in Ruby, promoting Ruby for machine learning, optimizing Ruby with lower level systems, attending Ruby meetups and conferences, and recommendations for workshops and events.
The podcast highlights the potential of using Ruby for AI projects, emphasizing the unique perspectives and insights that Ruby developers can bring to the field.
A deeper understanding of machine learning concepts beyond language models is crucial for innovation and progress in the Ruby AI community.
The availability of libraries like Psy Ruby is significant for advancing AI in Ruby, and cross-pollination between Ruby and Python developers can further enhance the ecosystem.
Deep dives
Exploring the Potential of AI Work in Ruby
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the potential of doing AI work in Ruby. They question why most AI work is done using Python and emphasize the benefits of using Ruby for AI projects. The speaker believes that Ruby has been overshadowed by Python in the AI landscape and argues that Ruby developers can bring their unique perspectives and insights to the field. They mention the availability of Ruby gems like Rumale for machine learning and highlight the importance of collaboration between software engineers and data scientists to enhance the development of AI solutions in Ruby.
The Importance of Understanding ML Fundamentals
The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of having a deeper understanding of machine learning concepts beyond just using large language models (LLMs). The speaker suggests that a lot of people in the industry lack a lower-level understanding of machine learning, relying on high-level concepts without fully grasping how these tools work. They advocate for learning the fundamentals of machine learning, such as neural networks, from scratch to gain a comprehensive understanding. The speaker believes that a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts will lead to more innovation and progress in the Ruby AI community.
The Role of Psy Ruby and Other Libraries in Ruby AI
The speaker discusses the importance of libraries like Psy Ruby, which provide tools for scientific computing in Ruby. They highlight the significance of these libraries in advancing the field of AI in Ruby, as they offer a foundation for building machine learning projects. While acknowledging that the Psy Ruby community may not be extremely active, the speaker encourages people to get more involved and contribute to updating and creating new gems. They also mention the need for cross-pollination between Ruby and Python developers, as leveraging the strengths of both languages could lead to further advancements in the Ruby AI ecosystem.
The Importance of Building a Community and Mentoring Others
One of the main ideas discussed in the podcast is the significance of building a community and mentoring others in the technology field. The speakers emphasized the importance of practicing gratitude and acknowledging the people who have helped us in our career journeys. They highlighted the need to support junior developers and cultivate a healthy ecosystem by sharing knowledge and offering opportunities. By fostering a sense of community and mentorship, they believed that the industry can continue to grow and thrive.
The Benefits of Regional Conferences and Small-Scale Events
The podcast also touched upon the advantages of attending regional conferences and smaller-scale events. The speakers shared their positive experiences at Blue Ridge Ruby, a regional conference that provided a more intimate and community-driven atmosphere. They appreciated the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and felt that the smaller setting allowed for more meaningful interactions. Additionally, they mentioned that the one-track format of the conference eliminated the need to choose between talks, providing a chance to see all the speakers and their presentations. Overall, they emphasized the refreshing and inspiring nature of regional conferences and smaller community-focused gatherings.
Landon Gray is a Compassionate Consultant, an AI/ML Enthusiast, and a conference speaker. He joins the show to further talk about his conference topic, "AI in Ruby". He begins by explaining how he landed with the idea of using AI or ML in the native Ruby. Additionally, they dive into other Ruby projects that used AI or ML. Sponsors
