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@Copilot Copilot AI commented Jun 14, 2025

This PR addresses the "potential improvement" suggestion for the masked_scatter operation by enhancing documentation and code clarity while maintaining the correct and optimal implementation.

Analysis of the Suggested "Simple" Approach

The PR discussion suggested using self * (1-mask) + mask * source as a simpler alternative. However, this approach is fundamentally incorrect for PyTorch's masked_scatter operation because:

  1. Sequential consumption: masked_scatter consumes values from source sequentially (flattened), not element-wise
  2. Shape flexibility: source can have arbitrary shape and more elements than needed
  3. Broadcasting mismatch: The simple approach requires same-shaped tensors

Example Demonstrating Why Simple Approach Fails

import torch

self = torch.tensor([1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0])
mask = torch.tensor([False, True, False, True])
source = torch.tensor([10.0, 20.0])  # Only 2 elements for 4 positions

# Correct masked_scatter result: [1.0, 10.0, 3.0, 20.0]
result = torch.masked_scatter(self, mask, source)

# Simple approach fails with shape mismatch:
# self * (1-mask) + mask * source  # RuntimeError: size mismatch

Current Implementation is Already Optimal

The existing ScatterND-based implementation is correct and optimal for the general case:

  • Handles sequential consumption from flattened source
  • Works with arbitrary source shapes
  • Minimal ONNX operations required
  • Proper broadcasting behavior

Improvements Made

Since the algorithm cannot be simplified without breaking correctness, this PR focuses on code quality:

Enhanced Documentation

  • Comprehensive docstring explaining the operation semantics
  • Clear explanation of why simple approaches don't work
  • Detailed parameter and behavior documentation

Improved Code Readability

  • Better variable names (true_indices, flattened_source, source_values)
  • Logical grouping of related operations
  • Clear inline comments explaining each step

Performance Maintained

  • Zero overhead: Same number of ONNX operations
  • Identical functionality: No behavioral changes
  • Future-proof: Prevents incorrect "optimizations"

The implementation now serves as both a correct solution and educational resource for understanding the complexity required for masked_scatter operations.

Fixes #2113.


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@Copilot Copilot AI changed the title [WIP] Potential improvement to masked_scatter op Improve masked_scatter implementation documentation and code clarity Jun 14, 2025
@Copilot Copilot AI requested a review from justinchuby June 14, 2025 15:43
Copilot finished work on behalf of justinchuby June 14, 2025 15:43
@justinchuby
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Thank you

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Potential improvement to masked_scatter op
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