This blog post demonstrates a Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) pipeline running entirely within a web browser. It uses Kuzu-WASM, a WebAssembly build of the Kuzu graph database, to store and query a knowledge graph, and WebLLM, a library for running large language models (LLMs) client-side. The demo allows users to query the graph using natural language, with Kuzu translating the query into its native query language and retrieving relevant information. This retrieved context is then fed to a local LLM (currently, a quantized version of Flan-T5), which generates a natural language response. This in-browser approach offers potential benefits in terms of privacy, reduced latency, and offline functionality, enabling new possibilities for interactive and personalized AI applications.
Maxima, a powerful computer algebra system (CAS), is now accessible directly in web browsers thanks to a project leveraging Embedded Common Lisp (ECL) compiled to WebAssembly (WasM). This allows users to perform complex symbolic computations, including algebra, calculus, and numerical analysis, without any local installation. The browser-based interface provides a REPL (read-eval-print loop) for interactive calculations and utilizes MathJax for displaying formatted mathematical expressions. This project makes Maxima's capabilities more readily available, eliminating the need for dedicated software or server-side setups.
Commenters on Hacker News express excitement about Maxima running in the browser via WASM and ECL. Several highlight the potential for educational uses and interactive symbolic computation in web environments. Some discuss the performance overhead of WASM and suggest improvements, like pre-compilation for faster startup. The ability to share computational documents easily and integrate with other web technologies is praised. A few users mention other similar projects, including one using ClojureScript and another involving a Python CAS in the browser. The general sentiment is positive, with commenters intrigued by the possibilities this opens up for accessibility and collaborative mathematical work. One commenter expresses interest in building symbolic computation directly into a browser rather than running it as a VM.
Summary of Comments ( 4 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43321523
HN commenters generally expressed excitement about the potential of in-browser graph RAG, praising the demo's responsiveness and the possibilities it opens up for privacy-preserving, local AI applications. Several users questioned the performance and scalability with larger datasets, highlighting the current limitations of WASM and browser storage. Some suggested potential applications, like analyzing personal knowledge graphs or interacting with codebases. Concerns were raised about the security implications of running LLMs client-side, and the challenge of keeping WASM binaries up-to-date. The closed-source nature of KuzuDB also prompted discussion, with some advocating for open-source alternatives. Several commenters expressed interest in trying the demo and exploring its capabilities further.
The Hacker News post discussing in-browser graph RAG with Kuzu-WASM and WebLLM has generated several comments, offering a range of perspectives on the project.
One commenter expresses excitement about the potential of WebAssembly for database applications, specifically highlighting the possibility of running complex queries client-side without server dependencies. They see this as a significant step toward enabling powerful and responsive web applications. They also inquire about the feasibility of using this technology with larger datasets, acknowledging the current limitations of browser storage.
Another commenter raises a practical concern about the performance implications of handling large graph datasets within the browser. They question whether the current implementation can efficiently manage substantial graphs and suggest that server-side processing might be more suitable for complex graph operations on large datasets. This comment highlights a common trade-off between client-side convenience and server-side performance when dealing with data-intensive applications.
A further comment delves into the specifics of the technology, mentioning the use of Apache Arrow for data serialization. They posit that this choice could be contributing to performance bottlenecks, particularly when transferring data between JavaScript and WebAssembly. They suggest exploring alternative serialization methods or optimizing the data transfer process to improve overall efficiency.
Another individual inquires about the licensing of the project, expressing interest in its potential applications. This highlights the importance of clear licensing information for open-source projects to encourage adoption and collaboration.
The discussion also touches upon the security implications of running database queries within the browser environment. One comment raises the concern of potential vulnerabilities arising from client-side execution and suggests that careful consideration should be given to security best practices.
Finally, a commenter expresses enthusiasm for the project's potential to democratize access to graph databases, making them more accessible to developers and users without requiring specialized server infrastructure. They see this as a positive step towards empowering individuals and smaller organizations to leverage the power of graph technology.
In summary, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a general interest in the project while also raising important questions and concerns regarding performance, scalability, security, and licensing. The discussion highlights the potential benefits and challenges of bringing graph database technology to the browser environment.