devcontainers / devcontainers/images
[Notice] Removing "torch" package from the "universal" image
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Description
Hello 👋
We are thinking of removing the [torch](https://pypi.org/project/torch/) package from the [universal](https://github.com/devcontainers/images/tree/main/src/universal) image. Feel free to share your concerns or thoughts, thank you! ✨
### Background
Currently, the size of universal image is `12.7 GB` and we have been looking at ways to shrink it. It’s interesting to see that the [machine learning packages](https://github.com/devcontainers/images/blob/main/src/universal/.devcontainer/local-features/machine-learning-packages/install.sh#L41-L49) consume the most space which is `5.24 GB`. We understand, that we want to support ML relevant scenarios, however, 41% kinda seems like a big chunk of the image.
### Alternative
As `torch` package is installed with `pip`, it is very simple to add to your dev container (either in a Dockerfile or with a lifecycle command).
Also, we are thinking of adding a new Feature option to the [Python Feature](https://github.com/devcontainers/features/tree/main/src/python) (eg. `packages`) which accepts a list of packages which can be added with `pip`. The user can install `torch` or any other packages they would like to with the update Python Feature. Would appreciate any feedbacks on this as well.
### Conclusion
The `torch` package is `1.4 GB` and it’s add a dependency of `nvidia` which is another `3.0 GB` . Hence, removing the `torch` package saves us `~ 4.4 GB`.
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