Make this forward pass as fast as possible (ianbarber.blog)

Flapping Airplanes has secured a $1 billion investment, showcasing a megakernel framework that enables efficient forward and backward passes while amusingly playing Doom1. This innovation reflects a growing movement within the AI/ML community to rethink the role of ML compilers. Hyperstition's Hyperkernel also exemplifies this trend, as both frameworks aim to optimize model performance directly, prompting questions about the necessity of traditional ML compilers. Instead of eliminating compilers altogether, some experts argue for a stable compiler infrastructure that empowers agents to explore their optimization strategies without reinventing foundational tools for each kernel iteration. The discussions around new approaches highlight an evolving landscape where performance optimization is increasingly seen as a search and iteration process. Traditional methods may no longer suffice as developers prioritize automated inspections and evaluations. For example, Together's new compiler, TKCC, utilizes a custom cost model to streamline search processes, tackling the complexity of large codebases. This trend signals a shift towards a decomposed compiler architecture that emphasizes effective tools over singular solutions, allowing agents to enhance performance through flexible frameworks rather than fixed heuristics. Ultimately, as agents become pivotal in kernel development, understanding and verification frameworks may prove more essential than ever.