Remove backward compatibility aliases and enforce PyTorch-consistent naming:
- Remove Dense = Linear alias in Module 04 (layers)
- Update all Dense references to Linear in Modules 02, 08, 09, 18, 21
- Remove MaxPool2d = MaxPool2D alias in Module 17 (quantization)
- Standardize fc/dense_weights to linear_weights in Module 18 (compression)
Benefits:
- Eliminates naming confusion between Dense/Linear terminology
- Aligns with PyTorch production patterns (nn.Linear)
- Reduces cognitive load with single consistent naming convention
- Improves student transfer to real ML frameworks
All modules tested and functionality preserved.
🎯 NORTH STAR VISION DOCUMENTED:
'Don't Just Import It, Build It' - Training AI Engineers, not just ML users
AI Engineering emerges as a foundational discipline like Computer Engineering,
bridging algorithms and systems to build the AI infrastructure of the future.
🧪 ROBUST TESTING FRAMEWORK ESTABLISHED:
- Created tests/regression/ for sandbox integrity tests
- Implemented test-driven bug prevention workflow
- Clear separation: student tests (pedagogical) vs system tests (robustness)
- Every bug becomes a test to prevent recurrence
✅ KEY IMPLEMENTATIONS:
- NORTH_STAR.md: Vision for AI Engineering discipline
- Testing best practices: Focus on robust student sandbox
- Git workflow standards: Professional development practices
- Regression test suite: Prevent infrastructure issues
- Conv->Linear dimension tests (found CNN bug)
- Transformer reshaping tests (found GPT bug)
🏗️ SANDBOX INTEGRITY:
Students need a solid, predictable environment where they focus on ML concepts,
not debugging framework issues. The framework must be invisible.
📚 EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY:
TinyTorch isn't just teaching a framework - it's founding the AI Engineering
discipline by training engineers who understand how to BUILD ML systems.
This establishes the foundation for training the first generation of true
AI Engineers who will define this emerging discipline.
