Jax
Jax or JAX may refer to:
For other uses, see [[Jax (disambiguation)]].
Computing
JAX machine learning framework
JAX is a Python library developed by the Google Brain team for high-performance numerical computing, particularly in machine learning and scientific applications. Initially released in 2018, it provides a NumPy-like API through its jax.numpy module, enabling familiar array operations while supporting execution on accelerators like GPUs and TPUs.[1][2]
At its core, JAX features automatic differentiation via the jax.grad function for computing gradients efficiently, integration with the XLA compiler for optimized code generation across hardware backends, and just-in-time (JIT) compilation using jax.jit to accelerate numerical programs by compiling them ahead of execution. It also supports composable transformations, such as vectorization with jax.vmap for batching operations over arrays and parallelization with jax.pmap for distributing computations across multiple devices, allowing researchers to build and optimize complex models without low-level hardware management.[3][4][5]
JAX is widely used to accelerate machine learning research by enabling rapid prototyping of differentiable programs and high-throughput training on large-scale hardware, such as TPUs, where it powers models in areas like computer vision and natural language processing. Its transformation system promotes functional programming paradigms, making it easier to compose operations like differentiation and compilation in a single pipeline.[3][6]
As of November 2025, JAX has evolved to version 0.8.1, with updates including support for Python 3.11 and later versions, up to 3.14, alongside enhanced interoperability within the JAX ecosystem and bridges to frameworks like PyTorch for seamless model porting and hybrid workflows. Recent additions to the JAX ecosystem include JAX-Privacy 1.0 (November 2025), enabling scalable differentially private machine learning.[7][8][9][10][11]
For example, a basic neural network forward pass with gradients can be implemented as follows, using a simple multilayer perceptron on flattened images:
python
import jax.numpy as jnp
from jax import grad, vmap
def relu(x):
return jnp.maximum(0, x)
def predict(params, image):
# Forward pass through layers
activations = image
for w, b in params[:-1]:
activations = relu(jnp.dot(activations, w) + b) # Note: transposed weights for row-major
final_w, final_b = params[-1]
logits = jnp.dot(activations, final_w) + final_b
return logits - jnp.logsumexp(logits) # Log-softmax for stability
# Vectorize over batch of images
batched_predict = vmap(predict, in_axes=(None, 0))
# Loss function ([cross-entropy](/page/Cross-entropy))
def loss(params, images, targets):
preds = batched_predict(params, images)
return -jnp.mean(jnp.sum(preds * targets, axis=1))
# Compute gradients w.r.t. params
grad_fn = [grad](/page/Grad)(loss)
import jax.numpy as jnp
from jax import grad, vmap
def relu(x):
return jnp.maximum(0, x)
def predict(params, image):
# Forward pass through layers
activations = image
for w, b in params[:-1]:
activations = relu(jnp.dot(activations, w) + b) # Note: transposed weights for row-major
final_w, final_b = params[-1]
logits = jnp.dot(activations, final_w) + final_b
return logits - jnp.logsumexp(logits) # Log-softmax for stability
# Vectorize over batch of images
batched_predict = vmap(predict, in_axes=(None, 0))
# Loss function ([cross-entropy](/page/Cross-entropy))
def loss(params, images, targets):
preds = batched_predict(params, images)
return -jnp.mean(jnp.sum(preds * targets, axis=1))
# Compute gradients w.r.t. params
grad_fn = [grad](/page/Grad)(loss)
This setup computes the loss gradients for parameter updates, demonstrating JAX's autograd and vectorization in a concise manner.[12]
Java API for XML processing
The Java API for XML Processing (JAXP) is a standard component of the Java Platform, Standard Edition (SE), providing a vendor-neutral interface for applications to parse, transform, validate, and query XML documents.[13] Introduced through JSR 5 in 2000 and bundled with Java SE 1.4 in February 2002, JAXP enables developers to work with XML without tying to specific implementations, promoting portability across Java environments.[14][15]
JAXP's core components include the Simple API for XML (SAX), which supports event-based, sequential parsing suitable for large documents by processing XML as a stream of events without building an in-memory tree.[16] In contrast, the Document Object Model (DOM) offers a tree-based representation of XML, allowing random access and manipulation of the entire document as a hierarchical structure of nodes.[17] The Streaming API for XML (StAX), added in JAXP 1.4 via JSR 173, provides a pull-based parsing model where applications control the reading and writing of XML streams, offering better memory efficiency and bidirectional access compared to push-based SAX.[18] These APIs are standardized through Java Specification Requests, such as JSR 206 for JAXP 1.3 enhancements including improved schema support.[19]
JAXP supports XML Schema validation to ensure documents conform to defined schemas during parsing, and it facilitates transformations using XSLT (XSL Transformations) to convert XML into other formats like HTML or different XML structures. It integrates with the Java Architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) for mapping Java objects to XML and vice versa, streamlining data binding in enterprise applications; however, following the transition of Java EE to Jakarta EE in 2019, JAXB was rebranded as Jakarta XML Binding in 2020, with its namespace shifted from javax to jakarta.
A representative example of using JAXP's DOM parser to read an XML file is as follows:
java
import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilderFactory;
import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilder;
import org.w3c.dom.[Document](/page/Document);
import java.io.[File](/page/File);
DocumentBuilderFactory dbf = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance();
DocumentBuilder db = dbf.newDocumentBuilder();
[Document](/page/Document) doc = db.parse(new [File](/page/File)("filename.xml"));
import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilderFactory;
import javax.xml.parsers.DocumentBuilder;
import org.w3c.dom.[Document](/page/Document);
import java.io.[File](/page/File);
DocumentBuilderFactory dbf = DocumentBuilderFactory.newInstance();
DocumentBuilder db = dbf.newDocumentBuilder();
[Document](/page/Document) doc = db.parse(new [File](/page/File)("filename.xml"));
This code creates a factory, instantiates a builder, and parses the specified XML file into a [Document](/page/Document) object for further manipulation.[20]
Places
Jax, Haute-Loire
Jax is a small rural commune in the Haute-Loire department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in south-central France. Located at coordinates 45°10′09″N 3°37′08″E, it lies at an elevation of approximately 600-800 meters above sea level and covers an area of 11.93 km² in a landscape typical of the Massif Central, with rolling hills and forests. As of 2025 estimates, the population is approximately 140 residents, reflecting the low-density settlement pattern common in rural Auvergne. The commune's administrative INSEE code is 43106.[21]
The history of Jax is tied to the broader medieval development of the Haute-Loire region, with settlements emerging around agriculture in the volcanic soils of the area. The local economy centers on agriculture, including livestock and crop cultivation suited to the upland terrain. While Jax has no major recorded historical events or monuments, it preserves examples of traditional rural architecture, such as stone farmhouses.
Jacksonville, Florida
Jacksonville, Florida, commonly known by its nickname "Jax," is the largest city by land area in the contiguous United States, encompassing 747 square miles of land.[22] Founded in 1822 and significantly expanded through the 1968 consolidation of the city and Duval County governments, it serves as a major urban center in northeastern Florida with an estimated population of 1,024,000 as of 2025.[23] The nickname "Jax" is a shortened form of Jacksonville, popularized through local media, tourism promotions, and the city's airport code JAX, which has been in use since the establishment of early aviation facilities in the 1920s and formalized with the opening of Jacksonville International Airport in 1968.[24][25]
Situated along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville functions as a vital deepwater port and transportation hub, facilitating extensive cargo handling and intermodal logistics that underpin its economy.[24] The city boasts over 22 miles of Atlantic coast beaches, contributing to its appeal as a coastal destination, while major military installations such as Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Mayport support a significant defense presence.[24] Economically, Jax thrives in sectors like finance, logistics, and healthcare, with the port alone handling millions of tons of cargo annually; culturally, it hosts events such as the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival, drawing visitors to its riverfront venues.[24][22]
In sports, Jacksonville is home to the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, whose stadium anchors community events, and the Jacksonville Giants, a professional basketball team in the American Basketball Association.[24][26] As of 2025, the city is experiencing urban growth, particularly in the tech sector with a projected 12.7% increase in tech jobs, alongside riverfront revitalization efforts including new parks and public spaces designed to enhance downtown connectivity and economic vitality.[27][28] Unlike the smaller rural locale named Jax in France, Jacksonville represents a dynamic American metropolis with extensive infrastructure and global economic ties.[29]
People
Jax as a given name
Jax is a modern masculine given name of English origin, serving as a diminutive or variant of Jackson, which derives from the patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack." Jack itself is a medieval diminutive of John, ultimately from the Hebrew Yochanan, signifying "God is gracious." The name Jax emerged as a standalone given name in the United States in 1995, shortly after the introduction of the character Jax Briggs in the 1993 video game Mortal Kombat II, which contributed to its initial visibility.[30][31]
The name's popularity began rising in the late 1990s and accelerated through the 2000s, reflecting broader naming trends favoring short, edgy, and phonetic variations of traditional names. In the United States, according to Social Security Administration data, Jax ranked #315 among boys' names in 2024, with approximately 1,000 births, down slightly from its peak of #214 in 2018 but remaining within the top 400. It is also common in other English-speaking countries, such as Scotland where it ranked #91 in 2024, and variants like Jaxon and Jaxson—phonetic spellings of Jackson—further boost its overall usage, with Jaxon ranking #96 in the U.S. in 2024.[32][33]
Culturally, Jax evokes connotations of strength, resilience, and brevity due to its concise form and association with the robust image of Jack, making it appealing in contemporary naming practices that prioritize modern, punchy sounds over elaborate historical ties. While lacking prominent historical figures, it has gained traction as a standalone name in pop culture, exemplified by the charismatic motorcycle club leader Jax Teller in the television series Sons of Anarchy (2008–2014), which amplified its edgy appeal during the 2000s and 2010s. This trend aligns with the era's fashion for surname-derived first names and diminutives, positioning Jax as a symbol of individuality without deep classical roots.[34][35]
As of 2025, Jax continues to show steady popularity in multicultural contexts within English-speaking regions, including Christian communities where its "God is gracious" meaning resonates, and it has seen emerging non-binary usage as a gender-neutral option in progressive naming circles.[36][37][38]
People with surname Jax
Nia Jax, born Savelina Fanene on May 29, 1984, is a Samoan-American professional wrestler signed to WWE, where she performs on the Raw brand.[39] She debuted in WWE's developmental territory NXT in 2014, making her main roster television debut in August 2015.[40] Throughout her career, Jax has achieved significant success, including winning the Raw Women's Championship once in 2018 at WrestleMania 34 and the WWE Women's Championship in 2024, holding the latter until early 2025.[40] She is also a two-time WWE Women's Tag Team Champion, first with Shayna Baszler in 2020.[40] Jax hails from the renowned Anoa'i wrestling family and is a cousin of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson through her aunt Ata Maivia-Johnson.[41]
Griffin Jax, born James Griffin Jax on November 22, 1994, in Phoenix, Arizona, is an American professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB).[42] A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, he was selected by the Twins in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2016 MLB Draft.[42] Jax made his MLB debut on June 8, 2021, with the Minnesota Twins, and was traded to the Tampa Bay Rays on July 31, 2025. He has established himself as a key relief pitcher, appearing in 299 games through 2025 with a career ERA of 3.77 and 405 strikeouts in 356.2 innings pitched.[43] In the 2025 season, he posted a 4.23 ERA in 73 appearances across both teams.[43]
Garth Jax, born James Garth Jax on September 16, 1963, in Houston, Texas, is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1980s and early 1990s.[44] After playing college football at Florida State University, where he earned recognition as an outside linebacker, Jax was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 11th round (296th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft.[44] He spent his entire professional career in the NFL, playing for the Cowboys from 1986 to 1988 and the Phoenix Cardinals (later Arizona Cardinals) from 1989 to 1995, accumulating 179 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions over 140 games.[45]
Other individuals with the surname Jax include lesser-known figures in sports and music. Overall, notable bearers of the surname Jax are predominantly American and have made their marks in professional sports, reflecting a pattern of athletic achievement.
Arts and entertainment
Jax (singer)
Jaclyn Cole Miskanic, known professionally as Jax, is an American singer-songwriter and social media personality born on May 5, 1996, in East Brunswick, New Jersey.[46] She rose to prominence as a contestant on season 14 of American Idol in 2015, where she finished in third place after captivating audiences with her powerful vocals and edgy performances, including covers of songs like Taylor Swift's "Blank Space."[47] Her stage name, Jax, is a shortened form derived from her given name Jaclyn.[48]
Following her American Idol appearance, Jax released her debut EP, Funny, in 2017, featuring tracks like "Sleep Like a Baby" that showcased her blend of pop and alternative influences.[49] She gained further traction through TikTok, where her humorous, original songs addressing everyday frustrations and personal experiences went viral, amassing over 14.8 million followers by late 2025. Notable hits include "90s Kids" (2021), which has exceeded 48 million streams on Spotify and evokes nostalgia for 1990s childhood, and "Victoria's Secret" (2022), peaking at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 with more than 197 million Spotify streams. Her debut studio album, Dear Joe, released on June 28, 2024, via Atlantic Records, explores themes of heartbreak and growth through a mix of ballads and comedic interludes, certified gold for several tracks by the RIAA.[50]
Jax's musical style is characterized by pop sensibilities infused with witty, relatable lyrics tackling mental health, body image, and nostalgia, often delivered with theatrical flair from her background in musical theater.[51] Post-2023, she embarked on headline tours across North America, including sold-out shows supporting her viral singles, and collaborated with artists like JVKE on tracks such as "u love u."[52] In 2025, she announced additional tour dates amid the promotion of her growing catalog.[53]
On a personal note, Jax married photographer and entrepreneur Brave Gregg in November 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a ceremony attended by 300 guests and featuring a surprise performance by Sia.[54] The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Charlotte Good, in May 2025.[55] A vocal advocate for body positivity, Jax has openly shared her experiences with thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2016, which impacted her vocal cords and reinforced her commitment to self-acceptance and mental health awareness.
Fictional characters named Jax
In video games, Jax is a prominent champion in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) League of Legends, developed by Riot Games and released on February 21, 2009.[56] As the last known weapons master of the fallen kingdom of Icathia, Jax wields a magical lamp-post as his signature weapon and is renowned for his unmatched combat prowess and sarcastic demeanor.[57] His abilities include Leap Strike, allowing him to dash to a target and empower his next attack, and Counter Strike, which dodges incoming attacks while dealing area damage upon ending.[56]
In animation, Jax appears as a key character in Glitch Productions' web series The Amazing Digital Circus, which premiered in 2023. Voiced by Michael Kovach, he is depicted as a lanky purple rabbit dressed in red overalls, serving as a mischievous and self-serving antagonist among humans trapped in a surreal digital circus world run by an erratic AI named Caine.[58] Jax often engages in pranks and schemes that exacerbate the group's psychological turmoil, such as sabotaging others during adventures. As of November 2025, the series has released six episodes, continuing with episode 7 on December 12, 2025, and episode 8 on March 8, 2026, amid a surge in popularity that has positioned it as one of the most-viewed indie animations on YouTube, exceeding 100 million views in its early months and inspiring fan works and merchandise.[59][60]
In comics and related media, Jax-Ur is a Kryptonian supervillain in DC Comics, debuting in Adventure Comics #289 in October 1961. A brilliant but reckless scientist, Jax-Ur accidentally destroyed Krypton's moon and was banished to the Phantom Zone by Jor-El as punishment. In various continuities, he has plotted numerous escapes to conquer Earth. Jax-Ur has appeared in animated adaptations, including Superman: The Animated Series, where he allies with Mala to challenge Superman after their release from the Zone.
Other notable fictional Jax characters include Jax Pavan, a Human Jedi Knight from the Star Wars Legends expanded universe, who survived Order 66 and operated as a private investigator in Coruscant's underworld during the early Galactic Empire era.[61] Featured in novels like Coruscant Nights: Jedi Twilight (2008), Pavan's story emphasizes themes of hidden resistance against Imperial tyranny, though his role remains more niche compared to the broader pop culture impact of the aforementioned Jax figures in gaming and animation.
Brands and companies
Jax Beer
Jax Beer is a historic American pale lager originally produced by the Jackson Brewing Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. Founded in 1890 by Lawrence Fabacher as the Jackson Bohemian Brewery, the company renamed itself the Jackson Brewing Company and began brewing Jax under that label, becoming the largest brewery in the South by the mid-20th century.[62][63] The beer was marketed with the slogan "Hello, mellow Jax," emphasizing its smooth, easy-drinking profile as a light-bodied lager with an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 5%.[64][65]
Initially distributed across the Southeastern United States, Jax gained popularity for its affordability and regional appeal, with production expanding from the original Decatur Street facility in the French Quarter. In 1974, the Jackson Brewing Company ceased operations amid financial difficulties, selling the Jax brand and formula to Pearl Brewing Company in San Antonio, Texas, which continued production until 1984.[62][66] Pearl was subsequently acquired by Pabst Brewing Company in 1985, which maintained limited production of Jax into the late 1980s before discontinuing it as part of broader portfolio consolidations.[64][67]
The beer holds cultural significance in Southern traditions, often associated with New Orleans' social scene and featured in mid-20th-century media, including pioneering television commercials—one of the first non-racist ads targeting Black audiences in 1948—and celebrity endorsements like those by director Mike Nichols.[68][69][70] Its iconic bottle design, featuring a gold label with ornate red lettering and the Jax crest, became a recognizable symbol of regional pride.[71][72]
As of 2025, Jax has been revived in limited small-batch releases by Port Orleans Brewing Company in New Orleans, available on draft and in vintage-style brown bottles at select local bars, restaurants, and stores, though it remains far from mainstream distribution.[73][74] The revival honors the original recipe, positioning it as a nostalgic craft option tied to Louisiana's brewing heritage.[75]
Other uses
JAX (airport code)
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is the primary commercial airport serving Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding northeast Florida region. Located approximately 13 miles north of downtown Jacksonville in Duval County, the airport opened on October 1, 1968, replacing the older Imeson Field as the city's main aviation facility. It operates as a civil-military joint-use airport under the management of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and handled a record 7.6 million passengers in calendar year 2024, with passenger traffic continuing to grow in 2025, including a record 709,000 passengers in July.[76][77][78] The airport features two main runways, including the primary 8/26 runway measuring 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) in length, supporting a range of aircraft operations.[79]
The IATA code "JAX" was assigned by the International Air Transport Association and the Federal Aviation Administration to reflect the city's common nickname "Jax," a shortened form of Jacksonville widely used locally. This designation distinguishes it from the nearby Naval Air Station Jacksonville, which uses the code NIP for its separate military operations. JAX serves as a focus city for major carriers including Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which together account for a significant portion of its traffic alongside American Airlines and others, offering nonstop service to over 50 domestic destinations and select international routes. The airport's single main terminal connects to two concourses (A and C), each with 10 gates, including facilities for international arrivals and U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing. Cargo operations are robust, with dedicated facilities supporting carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Delta Cargo, handling time-sensitive freight integral to the region's logistics network. Recent infrastructure developments at JAX include the 2024 environmental assessment and construction for a new Concourse B expansion to add six gates and improve passenger flow, with a topping-off milestone reached in October 2025 and completion expected in 2027, alongside the Air Cargo 3 Apron Expansion to enhance freight capacity.[80][81][82][83][84][85]
Economically, JAX plays a pivotal role in northeast Florida's logistics sector, generating over $3 billion in annual impact as of 2019 through direct employment, air cargo throughput, and connectivity that supports the area's status as a key distribution hub for the southeastern United States.[86][87]