linkedin / linkedin/Liger-Kernel

[feat] Int8 Matmul Training kernel

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feature
Dominant language
Python
Stars
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Forks
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Avg merge
1d 20h
Merged PRs (30d)
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Description

### 🚀 The feature, motivation and pitch

W8A8 (int8 for both weight and activation) matmul is beneficial for A100 and could provide great memory and speed benefits, and could be effective given dedicated design on mix precision training (avoid convergence issue and mitigate performance drop). The kernel will be a fused int8 matmul kernel with fusion of three parts:

input activation quantization to int8 (dynamic, static) + int8 matmul (weight int8 dynamic, static quantization inside) + output dequantization

### Alternatives

_No response_

### Additional context

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Contributor guide

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First steps

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  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

The issue describes a fused W8A8 int8 matmul training kernel combining activation quantization, int8 matmul, and output dequantization, but names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the existing training-kernel implementation and clarifying dynamic versus static quantization requirements, target A100 behavior, and acceptance tests; done should include the fused kernel with validated convergence and performance.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
machine-learning, performance
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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