Loading and unloading models is a common practice in both machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, especially when dealing with large-scale or resource-intensive models.
In the context of this VS Code extension, the term "AI models" is used, but it encompasses both machine learning and artificial intelligence models. Machine learning is a subset of AI that focuses on enabling computers to learn and improve from experience without being explicitly programmed. AI, on the other hand, is a broader field that includes machine learning and other techniques to create intelligent systems.
The need to load and unload models arises due to several reasons:
- Resource Management: AI and ML models can be computationally expensive and consume significant amounts of memory. When multiple models are available, loading all of them simultaneously may exceed the available system resources. By selectively loading and unloading models, the extension can manage resource usage efficiently and ensure