6.2.10. Other input

6.2.10.1. Initial parameter evaluation

By default, the loss function will be evaluated for the initial parameters given in the input (parameter_interface.yaml).

This can be disabled with the SkipX0 key:

SkipX0
Type

Bool

Default value

No

GUI name

Skip initial parameter evaluation:

Description

Do not evaluate the initial parameters before starting the optimization. If the initial parameters evaluated and do not return a finite loss function value, the optimization will abort. A non-infinite value typically indicates crashed jobs.

6.2.10.2. Random validation set

Validation
Type

Float

Description

Fraction of the training set to be used as a validation set. Will be ignored if a validation set has been explicitly defined.

6.2.10.3. Share best evaluation between optimizers

ShareBestEvaluationBetweenOptimizers
Type

Bool

Default value

No

Description

Share new best evaluations from one optimizer to another. Some algorithms can use this information to accelerate their own convergence. However, optimizers typically have to be configured to receive and handle the information. This option can work very well with CMA-ES injections.

6.2.10.4. Scaler

Many optimization algorithms require that all optimized dimensions be in the same range. This can dramatically improve the numerics of the problem. ParAMS provides scalers which scale the optimized parameters to reduced ranges.

Scaler
Type

Multiple Choice

Default value

Optimizers

Options

[Linear, Std, None, Optimizers]

GUI name

Description

Type of scaling applied to the parameters. A scaled input space is needed by many optimization algorithms. Available options: • Linear: Scale all parameters between 0 and 1. • Std: Scale all parameters between -1 and 1. • None: Applies no scaling. • Optimizers (Default): Does not specify a scaling at the manager level, but allows the selection to be governed by the optimizer/s. If they do not require any particular scaler, then ‘linear’ is selected as the ultimate fallback.

6.2.10.5. Custom extractors path

If you have created your own Extractors and use them in your training set, specify the path to them with MoreExtractorsPath:

MoreExtractorsPath
Type

String

Default value

extractors

Description

Path to directory with extractors.

6.2.10.6. Per optimizer wait-time on exit

EndTimeout
Type

Float

Default value

10.0

GUI name

Optimizer wait time on end (s):

Description

The amount of time the manager will wait trying to smoothly join each optimizer at the end of the run. If exceeded the manager will abandon the optimizer and shutdown. This can raise errors from the abandoned threads, but may be needed to ensure the manager closes and does not hang. This option is often needed if the Scipy optimizers are being used and should be set to a low value.