Flax is a flexible neural-network library for JAX that embraces functional programming while offering ergonomic module abstractions. Its design separates pure computation from state by threading parameter collections and RNGs explicitly, enabling reproducibility, transformation, and easy experimentation with JAX transforms like jit, pmap, and vmap. Modules define parameterized computations, but initialization and application remain side-effect free, which pairs naturally with JAX’s staging and compilation model. Flax emphasizes composability: optimizers, training loops, and checkpointing are provided as examples or utilities rather than monolithic frameworks, encouraging research-friendly customization. The library is widely used in vision, language, and reinforcement learning, often serving as a thin layer atop NumPy-like JAX primitives. Tutorials and examples show patterns for multi-host training, mixed precision, and advanced input pipelines that scale from laptops to TPUs.
Features
- Functional, JAX-native module system with explicit state handling
- First-class interoperability with jit, pmap, vmap, and other transforms
- Lightweight training utilities without a heavyweight framework
- Clear RNG and parameter management for reproducibility
- Patterns for mixed precision and multi-host scaling
- Extensive examples spanning vision, NLP, and RL