Apple's MLX adding CUDA support

So to make sure I understand, this would mean:

1. Programs built against MLX -> Can take advantage of CUDA-enabled chips

but not:

2. CUDA programs -> Can now run on Apple Silicon.

Because the #2 would be a copyright violation (specifically with respect to NVidia's famous moat).

Is this correct?

#2 is not a copyright violation. You can reimplement APIs.

CUDA is not an API, it is a set of libraries written by NVIDIA. You'd have to reimplement those libraries, and for people to care at all you'd have to reimplement the optimizations in those libraries. That does get into various IP issues.

Even if its not as optimized, it would still be nice to see a CUDA alternative really

Also I do wonder what the difference b/w a API and a set of libraries are, couldn't an API be exposed from that set of libraries which could be used? Its a little confusing I guess

> couldn't an API be exposed from that set of libraries which could be used

And now you've entered that copyright violation territory.

IP infringement, not copyright violation.

A clean room reimplementation of cuda would avoid any copyright claims, but would not necessary avoid patents infringement.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clean-room_design:

“Clean-room design is useful as a defense against copyright infringement because it relies on independent creation. However, because independent invention is not a defense against patents, clean-room designs typically cannot be used to circumvent patent restrictions.”