----------------------------------
Understanding Aidge's architecture
----------------------------------

Modular by design, flexible by nature 
=====================================

Aidge is built on a robust and flexible **modular architecture**, a
foundational pillar that sets it apart. This modularity isn't just a
technical feature; it's crucial for Aidge's **customization**,
**extensibility**, and **adaptability** to the diverse and evolving
demands of AI deployment.

Core principles driving our design:

-  **Plugin-driven:** we engineered a lightweight core module designed
   for seamless expansion with easily integrated plug-ins.

-  **Dependency minimization:** this approach simplifies integration and
   management, avoiding conflicts within your current workflows.

By breaking down the framework into distinct, interchangeable
components, Aidge offers key advantages:

-  **Pick and choose**: integrate only the functionalities you need.

-  **Customize freely**: replace existing functionalities with your own
   implementations.

-  **Expand easily**: add new capabilities without touching the core
   system.

-  **Code engagement:** quickly understand, explore, and contribute to
   relevant parts of the codebase.

-  Discover how easy it is to `add an operator to the C++
   export <https://eclipse.dev/aidge/source/Tutorial/export_cpp_add_impl.html>`__
   by doing our tutorial.

..

   .. image:: /source/_static/aidge_plugin.png



Module ecosystem overview
=========================

+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Category**        | **Modules**                    | **Description**                                             |
+=====================+================================+=============================================================+
| **Core foundation** | ``aidge_core``                 | The essential building blocks for manipulating AI models    |
|                     |                                | and data, indispensable for all other modules.              |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Execution**       | ``aidge_backend_cpu``          | Enable Aidge to run on specific hardware devices like CPUs  |
| **backends**        | ``aidge_backend_cuda``         | and NVIDIA GPUs, providing concrete implementations.        |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Export modules**  | ``aidge_export_cpp``           | Generate deployable code for various target environments,   |
|                     | ``aidge_export_arm_cortexm``   | seamlessly integrating AI models into diverse systems.      |
|                     | ``aidge_export_tensorrt``      |                                                             |
|                     | ``aidge_export_acetone``       |                                                             |
|                     | ``aidge_export_openvx``        |                                                             |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Optimization**    | ``aidge_quantization``         | Offer advanced techniques to optimize AI models, reducing   |
| **suite**           | ``aidge_compression``          | size, improving speed, and minimizing resource consumption. |
|                     | ``aidge_pruning``              |                                                             |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Interoperability**| ``aidge_onnx``                 | Facilitate smooth interaction between Aidge and other       |
| **layer**           | ``aidge_interop_torch``        | popular AI frameworks (ONNX, PyTorch) for broad             |
|                     |                                | compatibility.                                              |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Development**     | ``aidge_model_explorer``       | Visualize and explore AI model architectures and data flow  |
| **tools**           |                                | within Aidge for easier understanding and debugging.        |
+---------------------+--------------------------------+-------------------------------------------------------------+