Hudson & Thames has consistently been at the forefront of delivering innovation in the quantitative finance landscape. Our flagship offering, MLFinLab, is a testament to our commitment, presenting a robust Python library teeming with production-ready algorithms derived from top-tier academic journals and advanced textbooks. It’s an essential tool, uniquely designed to empower portfolio managers and traders by providing reproducible, interpretable, and easy-to-use tools.
Today, we’re attempting to make your MLFinLab experience even more seamless. We’re thrilled to announce the upcoming closed beta launch for the Dockerized version of MLFinLab.
Tackling Python’s Challenges with Docker
Python, as powerful and flexible as it is, does present some unique challenges, one of which is the infamous “Python dependency hell”. This phrase refers to the complications encountered when managing the different versions and dependencies that Python applications require. Navigating these issues can be a time-consuming and complex task, especially when dealing with large-scale, intricate projects like MLFinLab.
Moreover, in managed environments, you may find pre-installed packages that can potentially conflict with other dependencies, causing incompatibility issues that can impact the stability of your application. Even though cross-platform compatibility can be achieved, it often requires considerable manual effort and introduces more variables that could affect overall reliability.
This is why we’d like to introduce Docker.
Reimagining MLFinLab with Docker
Docker is designed to package and isolate applications with their dependencies into a standardized unit for software development. By distributing MLFinlab in a Docker container, we can effectively overcome the complexities of Python dependency management. Docker containers bundle the MLFinLab application and all its dependencies into one easily distributable and quick-to-set-up package. For our users, this means you’ll spend less time wrestling with system-specific issues and fighting dependencies and more time leveraging MLFinLab’s robust features.
The Dockerized version of MLFinLab brings the promise of cross-platform compatibility and reliability. You can run MLFinLab on any system that supports Docker, be it Linux, Windows, or macOS. No more cross-platform inconsistencies or version conflicts, just a smooth, reliable application experience. The incorporation of Docker also paves the way for exciting new deployment options in the future, offering an unparalleled level of flexibility (particularly if you’re an institutional quant, where your development environment is managed by an IT team — but we’ll have more to say about this soon).
What will this practically look like?
Forget about the cumbersome process of creating a new Python environment and painstakingly installing MLFinLab with all of its dependencies using pip. Instead, imagine an effortless system that does all the work for you. That’s precisely what we’re bringing to you with our Dockerized MLFinLab.
You’ll simply pull a Docker image from the cloud, already fully loaded with all the necessary dependencies. As you initiate the container, we’ll verify your API key and seamlessly pull and install MLFinLab inside the container. Following this, a Jupyter Lab or Notebook instance will be launched, all ready and set for you to use.
What’s truly remarkable about this process is its isolation from your actual system. Everything takes place within the Docker container, leaving your system pristine and untouched. This means no more concerns about managing dependencies or ensuring a locally working version of Python.
In essence, the Dockerized MLFinLab delivers a radically simplified installation experience, one that we believe holds significant advantages over the traditional installation process of MLFinLab. It’s a game-changer, designed with user convenience at its core.
Join the Closed Beta Testing Phase
We’re now inviting all our users to participate in this exciting development by joining our closed beta testing phase. While the opportunity to sign up is open to everyone, our existing customers will be given priority access as a token of our appreciation for their ongoing support. Feedback is a vital part of this process—your insights will be instrumental in helping us enhance and perfect this Dockerized version of MLFinLab.
We’re eager to hear your insights, feedback, and suggestions. The timeline for the beta testing phase extends over the next few months, followed by the official release if we reach the level of reliability and performance , which will be guided and informed by your invaluable feedback.
An Exciting Leap Forward
The Dockerized version of MLFinLab represents a significant leap forward in quantitative finance software. With the promise of simplified deployment, enhanced cross-platform compatibility, and faster setup, it’s set to become an invaluable tool for portfolio managers, traders, and quantitative analysts alike.
Sign up for our closed beta test today and play an integral part in shaping the future of MLFinLab. We can’t wait to hear your feedback.
To those who are interested, you can sign up to the beta using the button below, and we’ll be in touch when we’re ready to launch.
