Any plan for API like RcppHSNW or RANN?

[eddelbuettel]

Any plan for API like RcppHSNW or RANN?

[eddelbuettel]

Could you be more explicit what exactly is lacking for your use cases? Maybe via examples from the other two packages?

In a nutshell, providing the Python API has served us well so far.

[SamGG]

Here is what I like in the other packages.

The RANN2 package provides a unique nn2 function
https://github.com/jefferislab/RANN/blob/master/R/nn.R

nn2 <- function(data, query=data, k=min(10,nrow(data)), ...) {
# ... being specific parameters that apply to the algorithm
# computation here
  return(list(nn.idx=nn.indexes, nn.dists=nn.dist))
}

The RcppHNSW package provides a all-in-one function like RANN2, but also a function for each of the two stages, which I like.
https://github.com/jlmelville/rcpphnsw/blob/master/R/hnsw.R

#' Find Nearest Neighbors and Distances
hnsw_knn <- function(X, k = 10, distance = "euclidean", ...) {
# calls build
# calls search and returns its result
}

#' Build an hnswlib nearest neighbor index
hnsw_build <- function(X, distance = "euclidean", ...) {
# builds and returns the index
}

#' Search an hnswlib nearest neighbor index
hnsw_search <- function(X, ann, k, ...) {
# Search and returns a list
  list(idx = idx, dist = dist)
}

@jlmelville did a wrapper for RcppAnnoy in the spirit on the previous functions.
https://github.com/jlmelville/uwot/blob/master/R/neighbors.R

IMHO, these functions are ease the use and the switch between packages.
I hope I elaborated enough to catch my point. Let me know.
Best.

[eddelbuettel]

Well, it seems may be best qualified to propose and implement such a change in a pull request I could consider here. That is how open source often works -- I have a number of other projects to look after and will not, in the immediate future, have time to implement a feature only you know best on demand for you.

[SamGG]

Thanks for your reply and considering this proposal. I will do it, but not in the next two weeks. I will copy/paste a lot of work of @jlmelville unless he has time do it better than I.
Best.

[eddelbuettel]

Can you not just use the interface he provided if that is what you want?

I have to be frank here: You still have not explained your issue very well, you just keep handwaving and pointing at other repos.

[SamGG]

His code is not exported and using it would imply to install and load uwot library.
My aim is to simplify and spread the use of RcppAnnoy by giving functions that are similar to those found in other packages. No revolution. Simplicity and minimalism.
To give a complete figure, @LTLA also provides a package for the BioConductor infra-structure. https://github.com/LTLA/BiocNeighbors
I will implement my proposal for my own use and let you know when it's ready.
Take time and let me know you decide.
Best.

[eddelbuettel]

Yes I am of course aware of all those packages as they are known and listed reverse dependencies of the CRAN package.

But yes, maybe start with something simple and minimal, and it may make sense to add it here.

[eddelbuettel]

Closing for inactivity.