[Idea]: add support for Float16Array

[kgryte]

Idea

With Float16Array now on track for stage 4 approval in JavaScript (see tc39/proposal-float16array#7), it is time we start thinking about adding support for Float16Array in stdlib. We have prior experience adding new array types, such as array/bool, array/complex128, and array/complex64, and this idea is a continuation of those efforts.

The expected roadmap is as follows:

• add a new array/float16 package which includes a polyfill for backward compatibility support. The polyfill should expose all common methods and properties as found on other typed array constructors. This package should contain complete tests, documentation, and benchmarks, as found in other typed array packages (e.g., array/bool).
• add support for float16 array dtypes throughout the array/* namespace.
• add support for float16 array dtypes throughout the strided/* namespace.
• add support for float16 array dtypes throughout the ndarray/* namespace.

Expected outcomes

stdlib users will be able to create and operate on Float16Array instances the same way they do throughout the project, with Float16Array on equal footing with all other typed array classes.

Status

No work has been done on this idea; however, we expect that this should follow as similar path to array/bool and its integration throughout the project.

Related: #43

Involved software

No special software for initial work. Once work has progressed to ndarray support, will need access to a C compiler, as documented in the project development guide.

Technology

JavaScript, C, nodejs, native addons

Other technology

None.

Difficulty

4

Difficulty justification

Implementing the polyfill will likely take some time, with the need for adding additional functionality to support the implementation (e.g., bit manipulation utilities, math utils, etc).

This project is ambitious, as arrays are fundamental to a lot of stdlib functionality; however, many of the more difficult integration aspects have already addressed given the widespread support for other array types throughout the project. The main project difficulty beyond the creation of a new Float16Array class will be finding all the various bits of code throughout the project which need to be updated.

Prerequisite knowledge

Familiarity and comfort with JavaScript would be highly recommended, given that this project will require considerable programming in JavaScript. Some familiarity with C would also be good, especially for float16 array integration with ndarrays.

Project length

350

Checklist

• I have read and understood the Code of Conduct.
• I have read and understood the application materials found in this repository.
• The issue name begins with [Idea]: and succinctly describes your idea.
• I understand that, in order to apply to be a GSoC contributor, I must submit my final application to https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com/ before the submission deadline.