A popular open-source library known as Zluda, which enabled the transfer of NVIDIA CUDA code to the AMD ROCM platform, has been removed following legal claims. Zluda gained popularity among developers for streamlining the process of porting code between NVIDIA CUDA and AMD ROCM, but its existence has now come to an unexpected end.
Originally developed to support Intel graphics processors on the NVIDIA software platform, Zluda later evolved under the guidance of AMD. Collaboration with AMD developers resulted in the adaptation of the library to allow NVIDIA CUDA code to run on AMD hardware, a significant accomplishment in the field of artificial intelligence.
However, recent legal action from AMD led to the removal of the library from GitHub. Project developer Andrzej Yanik revealed that despite receiving initial approval from AMD for the code release, the company’s legal department later declared this approval invalid, prompting the removal of Zluda.
In response to these developments, Yanik announced plans to resurrect the project using the source code created before AMD’s intervention. The new version of Zluda is expected to have a modified functionality, with certain features, such as support for Nvidia GameWorks, being omitted. These features were in progress but were left incomplete.
The disappearance of Zluda has had a significant impact on the developer community, as the library helped bridge the gap between different architectures and expanded opportunities in artificial intelligence. While there are efforts to revive the project, its future remains uncertain.