[mtrn]

There is the biological analogue, which has inspired neural networks:

> Recall that in our general definition a feed-forward neural network is a computational graph whose nodes are computing units and whose directed edges transmit numerical information from node to node.

> Each computing unit is capable of evaluating a single primitive function of its input. In fact the network represents a chain of function compositions which transfor m an input to an output vector (called a pattern).

From: https://page.mi.fu-berlin.de/rojas/neural/chapter/K7.pdf (1996)

Another ancestor would be the Data-Flow paradigm:

> .. programming paradigm that internally represents applications as a directed graph, similarly to a dataflow diagram. Applications are represented as a set of nodes (also called blocks) with input and/or output ports in them. These nodes can either be sources, sinks or processing blocks to the information flowing in the system. Nodes are connected by directed edges that define the flow of information between them.

From: https://paginas.fe.up.pt/~prodei/dsie12/papers/paper_17.pdf (2012)

[adamnemecek]

> There is the biological analogue, which has inspired neural network

I'm somewhat aware but it seems like the idea of a computational graph is the most generic computational idea I can think of and I'm surprised it's not more explored.

> Another ancestor would be the Data-Flow paradigm:

Oh yeah, data flow is definitely another one.

[Jasper_]

Functional programming can be represented as a graph, where calls are directed edges. Flow control is often analyzed in graph form in real compilers:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Control_flow_graph

[adamnemecek]

It's not just functional programming (but I do agree that it's better in functional programming). All the reverse engineering tools have some feature to represent assembly as a CFG which is super helpful.

[throwawayish]

> I'm somewhat aware but it seems like the idea of a computational graph is the most generic computational idea I can think of and I'm surprised it's not more explored.

ASTs?!

[adamnemecek]

Yeah, I think that ASTs are only a special case of computational graphs.