Improve masked_scatter implementation documentation and code clarity #2387
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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'smasked_scatter
operation because:masked_scatter
consumes values fromsource
sequentially (flattened), not element-wisesource
can have arbitrary shape and more elements than neededExample Demonstrating Why Simple Approach Fails
Current Implementation is Already Optimal
The existing
ScatterND
-based implementation is correct and optimal for the general case:Improvements Made
Since the algorithm cannot be simplified without breaking correctness, this PR focuses on code quality:
Enhanced Documentation
Improved Code Readability
true_indices
,flattened_source
,source_values
)Performance Maintained
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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