[dragandj]

How is "conv" arbitrary? There is a function object that represents a convolutional layer in the network. It is bound to two symbols (because why not). You can either use "convolution" if you prefer full names, or "conv" if you prefer shorter. It doesn't represent the operation, but the layer. There are functions (with longer names) representing the convolution operation, which follow cuDNN and DNNL naming schemes.

Regarding the magic, I believe you haven't read my writings related to this. Exactly the opposite - there is no magic other than usual Clojure-fu, which I explain in a layered way.

But it's difficult to exactly reply to your critique, because you haven't given any example of an approach that would be good Clojure. Ok, give me an example of how you would do it in a comprehensible way (if what I provide is incomprehensible). You don't have to actually implement it. Show a non-working alternative. How would it look like?