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genphy1976on Ask HN: Which Chinese open source projects are you using?

Not sure if this counts. I utilise Prima (a numerical optimisation package developed by a Chinese prof, based on algorithms from Cambridge) in my research on nuclear physics :

https://github.com/libprima/prima

Not something as big as tencent, alibba, ..., yet useful enough for my group !

genphy1976on What Does AI Think about the Kung Fu Robot Show in the Chinese New Year Gala?

What Redditers think: https://old.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/1r68g...

genphy1976on What Does AI Think about the Kung Fu Robot Show in the Chinese New Year Gala?

The HN discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=47067496

genphy1976on Unitree's Kung Fu Robot Demostration During the Chinese New Year Gala [video]

https://old.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/comments/1r68g...

genphy1976on LFortran compiles PRIMA

In case you appreciate LFortran and would like to sponsor its development, see

- Become a sponsor to LFortran: https://github.com/sponsors/lfortran

- Open Collective: https://opencollective.com/lfortran

- NumFOCUS: https://numfocus.org/donate-to-lfortran

genphy1976on LFortran compiles PRIMA

For more information about LFortran, see

- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LFortran

- Homepage: https://lfortran.org

- GitHub: https://github.com/lfortran/lfortran

If you like to play with it, see

- LFortran in web browsers using WebAssembly: https://dev.lfortran.org

- LFortran in Compiler Explorer: https://godbolt.org/z/EfWvsY6Kh

genphy1976on MJD Powell FRS in "Oral History of SIAM" [pdf]

Here is another interview:

http://www-optima.amp.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ORB/issue21/interview_...

genphy1976on Optimization Without Derivatives: Prima Fortran Version and Inclusion in SciPy

No, it is not difficult. It is way more than that. It is frustrating and depressing according to my experience attempting to modernize a FORTRAN 77 codebase (I gave up finally). Navigating through a quagmire of GOTO statements felt like a desperate endeavor. It's hard to fathom how someone could work on such a project for three years, especially if it appears to be a solo effort.

Upon examining the original FORTRAN code and accompanying papers, I realized that the complexity of the task was far from trivial. Working alone for three years, especially on such a complex codebase, requires a significant amount of dedication and perseverance.

genphy1976on Optimization Without Derivatives: Prima Fortran Version and Inclusion in SciPy

These people https://arxiv.org/pdf/1307.5867.pdf use Powell's derivative-free optimization method (newuoa) in the study of the galaxy cluster MACS J1206.2-0847 ( https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/MACS_J1206.2-0847 ). This is so cool!

genphy1976on Optimization Without Derivatives: Prima Fortran Version and Inclusion in SciPy

This is truly impressive! While I'm not well-versed in these specific techniques, I do recall learning about Powell during a mathematics course in the past. It's reassuring to know that capable individuals are maintaining his work.

Some time ago, I attempted to update an antiquated FORTRAN program for a particular project, but regrettably, I had to abandon the effort. Navigating the labyrinth of countless GOTO statements was both challenging and disheartening. I became genuinely concerned about the potential impact on my mental well-being.

That being said, I have a profound admiration for the individual who successfully modernized such a complex FORTRAN project. Their achievement is undoubtedly commendable!