RLHF Book

What is the project about?

This project is a work-in-progress textbook that explains the fundamentals of Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF). It's designed for individuals with a foundational understanding of machine learning and/or software development.

What problem does it solve?

It provides a structured and accessible resource for learning about RLHF, a complex topic in AI. It consolidates knowledge and presents it in a textbook format.

What are the features of the project?

• Textbook Format: Organized into chapters, making it suitable for structured learning.
• Markdown-based: Uses Markdown for chapter content, making it easy to edit and contribute.
• Pandoc Integration: Leverages Pandoc for converting Markdown into various output formats (PDF, EPUB, HTML, DOCX).
• Makefile Automation: Uses a Makefile to simplify the build process for different output formats.
• Cross-referencing: Supports cross-referencing between chapters and sections, figures, tables, and equations, enhancing readability.
• Content Filters: Allows modification of the Markdown content before processing with Pandoc.
• Open Source Code: The code is MIT licensed.
• Citation Format: Provides a standard citation format.

What are the technologies used in the project?

• Markdown: For writing the content of the book.
• Pandoc: A universal document converter for generating different output formats.
• Make: A build automation tool for managing the compilation process.
• LaTeX: (Indirectly, via Pandoc) Used for generating PDF output and rendering equations.
• YAML: Used for metadata (title, author, etc.) in metadata.yml.
• Pandoc Filters: Specifically pandoc-crossref (and potentially others like pandoc-xnos) for handling cross-references.
• Shell Scripting: (In the Makefile) For automating tasks.
• HTML/CSS: (Indirectly, via Pandoc) For generating HTML output.

What are the benefits of the project?

• Accessibility: Provides a resource for learning RLHF.
• Multiple Output Formats: Can be generated in PDF, EPUB, HTML, and DOCX formats, catering to different reading preferences.
• Open and Collaborative: The code is open-source (MIT license), encouraging contributions. The content has a Creative Commons license.
• Automated Build: The build process is automated, making it easy to generate updated versions.
• Structured Learning: The textbook format facilitates structured learning.

What are the use cases of the project?

• Learning RLHF: The primary use case is as a learning resource for individuals interested in understanding RLHF.
• Reference Material: Can serve as a reference for researchers and practitioners working with RLHF.
• Educational Tool: Could be used as a textbook or supplementary material in courses related to AI and reinforcement learning.
• Community Resource: Serves as a community-driven resource for RLHF knowledge.