Dear Tau Community,
We deeply appreciate your patience and continued support. We understand your frustration regarding the missed project timeline estimates and would like to provide a transparent explanation. We value our relationship with the community and are committed to improving our processes.
Addressing the Challenges
The key issues that caused the delay:
- Grammar Revisions: We discovered that the grammar was not usable in its existing form, necessitating several changes to simplify the Tau Language syntax. This turned out to be a complex task, requiring modifications to unexpected parts of the code. Despite these challenges, we managed to solve all issues related to these grammar changes. Additionally, several directives have been added to the Tau Parser, allowing us to deeply trim the parse trees directly within the parser. As a result, the parse trees are now minimized as much as possible, reducing overall memory consumption, increasing its speed and improving the speed of development.
- Normalizer Enhancements: Parts of the normalizer required revision, specifically to add strong normalization of formulas to properly provide reduced results. Our initial results were not satisfactory, leading to a complete overhaul.
- User Interface Development: We have also developed a user interface, the REPL (Read-Eval-Print Loop), to enhance user interaction and debugging capabilities.
- Bug Fixes: Numerous bugs have been resolved, with a few more still on the line. This iterative process of fixing and improving is crucial to delivering a stable release.
We needed to go back and forth in several parts of the code in order to implement new algorithms, improve user interaction or fix issues that we found later on. Though this led us to making solid advancements.
Advancements
Despite the setbacks, significant progress has been made. Ohad Asor’s recent advancements have led to the development of new algorithms for quantifier elimination, strong normalization, and satisfiability. These improvements have not only resolved previous issues but also enhanced the overall efficiency and performance of the Tau Language.
- Quantifier Elimination Algorithm: The new quantifier elimination algorithm speeds up computations and simplifies the source code, making the Tau Language more efficient.
- Strong Normalization Algorithm: A new strong normalization algorithm is now available, promising significant gains in complexity and efficiency. This approach ensures that the results obtained in the normalizer are properly reduced. We are currently wrapping up the new implementation and will continue with extensive testing.
- Satisfiability Algorithm: A new satisfiability algorithm that avoids the use of recurrence relations for existential parts of the specification has been developed. This reduces the complexity of the overall algorithm and simplifies its implementation. Consequently, the algorithms for execution and splitters have also been improved, leading to similar gains. The corresponding code is being reviewed and completed accordingly.
Improving Communication
We acknowledge that our communication regarding these delays has not been as timely or transparent as it should have been. Initially, we underestimated the impact of the delays and believed we could still meet the estimates by accelerating our work. This optimism led to a delay in communicating the reality of the situation.
To address this, we are implementing more stringent communication protocols to ensure you are kept in the loop about any potential delays or challenges. We will:
- Provide Regular Updates: As well as our monthly updates, more frequent updates will be shared, detailing our progress and encountered obstacles.
- Set Realistic Timelines: We will ensure our time estimates are more accurate and allow for potential unforeseen issues.
- Enhance Transparency: Detailed explanations of the challenges and our solutions will be shared to foster a deeper understanding of the development process.
Demonstrating Progress
To keep the community better informed, we endeavor to take a ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’ approach in showcasing the demonstrable parts of the development. This will allow you to see the progress firsthand and provide feedback directly to our team.
Conclusion
We are committed to delivering a product that meets the highest standards of quality and usability. The delays, while unfortunate, were necessary to address critical issues that would have compromised the user experience. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate these challenges.
Thank you for your continued support. We are excited about the future of the Tau Language and are confident that the final product will be worth the wait.
Sincerely,
The Tau Team
