# JAX

> Python library

**Wikidata**: [Q107382149](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q107382149)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JAX_(software))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jax

## Summary
JAX is a Python library developed by computer scientists Peter Hawkins, Matthew Johnson, and Jacob VanderPlas. Originally published on December 12, 2018, it is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0. The project is maintained under the alias "Google JAX" and offers stable versions for machine learning applications.

## Key Facts
- **Publication Date:** December 12, 2018.
- **Developers:** Peter Hawkins, Matthew Johnson, and Jacob VanderPlas.
- **License:** Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Software Type:** Python package.
- **Latest Stable Version:** 0.8.1 (dated 2025-11-16).
- **Previous Stable Versions:** 0.4.16 (2023-09-19), 0.4.24 (2024-02-06).
- **Source Repository:** https://github.com/jax-ml/jax
- **Software Dependency:** opt-einsum.
- **Package Identifiers:** PyPI project "jax", Arch User Repository package "python-jax".

## FAQs
### Q: Who created JAX?
A: JAX was created by Peter Hawkins, Matthew Johnson, and Jacob VanderPlas. Hawkins and Johnson are identified as computer scientists, while VanderPlas is noted as an astronomer and software engineer.

### Q: When was JAX first released?
A: JAX was initially published on December 12, 2018.

### Q: Under what license is JAX distributed?
A: JAX is distributed under the Apache Software License 2.0.

### Q: Where can the source code for JAX be found?
A: The source code is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/jax-ml/jax.

## Why It Matters
JAX serves as a high-performance Python library primarily used for machine learning research. Its significance is underscored by its development lineage, created by a team of computer scientists and software engineers including Jacob VanderPlas. The project's active maintenance is evidenced by a schedule of stable releases, having evolved from version 0.4.16 in late 2023 to version 0.8.1 in late 2025.

The library is distinct for its identity as "Google JAX" in some contexts, reflecting its association with high-level software engineering standards. It functions as a fundamental Python package that interacts with tools like MediaPipe and has dependencies on specialized software such as opt-einsum, highlighting its role in complex computational workflows. Its presence in nine Wikipedia languages and its listing in the Google Knowledge Graph further attest to its global recognition and utility in the tech sector.

## Notable For
- **Expert Development:** Created by a specialized team of computer scientists and an astronomer/software engineer.
- **Active Evolution:** Demonstrates a rapid release cycle with stable versions tracked through 2025.
- **Open Source Accessibility:** Available under the permissive Apache Software License 2.0.
- **Broad Recognition:** Listed in the Google Knowledge Graph and available in nine language editions on Wikipedia.
- **Ecosystem Integration:** Associated with machine learning tools like MediaPipe and Grok.

## Body
### Development and Creatorship
JAX is a Python package developed by three key individuals: Peter Hawkins, Matthew Johnson, and Jacob VanderPlas. Hawkins and Johnson are recognized as computer scientists, while VanderPlas brings a background in astronomy and software engineering. The project is also aliased as "Google JAX."

### Version History
The library has a documented history of updates and stable releases:
- **0.4.16:** Released September 19, 2023.
- **0.4.24:** Released February 6, 2024.
- **0.8.1:** Released November 16, 2025.

### Technical Specifications
JAX is classified as a Python package and library. It relies on the software `opt-einsum` for functionality. The project is accessible via the Python Package Index (PyPI) under the project name "jax" and is available in the Arch User Repository as "python-jax." The official website and documentation are hosted at https://jax.readthedocs.io/en/latest/.

### Knowledge Graph and Identifiers
JAX is indexed in the Google Knowledge Graph with the ID `/g/11t6my1_gw`. It has a significant digital footprint with a "sitelink count" of 9, referring to its presence across various Wikipedia language editions including Arabic, Catalan, English, French, Japanese, Kaa, Korean, Russian, and Chinese. The Repology project name is "python:jax."

## References

1. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/google/jax)
2. [Source](https://github.com/google/jax/releases/tag/jax-v0.4.16)
3. [Source](https://github.com/google/jax/releases/tag/jax-v0.4.24)
4. [Source](https://github.com/jax-ml/jax/releases/tag/jax-v0.8.1)