RUST AI Core Intermediate

Multi-Layer Perceptron in Rust

Learn how multilayer perceptrons solve non-linear problems using hidden layers and backpropagation through an XOR example.

Premium · 38m · 4 ch

Practice →

What you'll build

We'll build a complete multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network from the ground up using Rust. Starting with the mathematical foundations of activation functions, we'll progressively construct layers with const generics, wire them into a network, and implement the full backpropagation training algorithm.

Along the way we'll see why a single perceptron can't learn XOR, how hidden layers create nonlinear decision boundaries, and how gradient descent adjusts weights to minimize loss. By the end, our MLP can learn nonlinear functions — something a single-layer perceptron cannot do.

Learning objectives

✓Understand the role of activation functions in neural networks

✓Implement a generic neural network layer with const generics

✓Build a multi-layer perceptron with hidden and output layers

✓Implement backpropagation with gradient descent training

✓Train a network to learn the XOR function

Prerequisites

▸Basic Rust syntax (structs, traits, generics)

▸Familiarity with iterators and closures in Rust

▸Basic understanding of linear algebra (vectors, dot products)

Course curriculum

1 Activations and a layer

2 Building the MLP

3 Training: forward, loss, gradients

4 More activation functions

Technologies

Rust Neural Network Multi-Layer Perceptron Backpropagation Activation Function Gradient Descent Sigmoid ReLU Tanh Const Generics

FAQ

Is this a video course?

No. You work through the project step by step in your browser, and the reference code for each step saves to your disk — yours to run and keep locally.

Do I need to install anything?

No. The playground runs entirely in your browser — no toolchain or local setup required.

Can I try it before subscribing?

Yes. Preview steps are available without a subscription so you can see the format and quality first.

What do I get with full access?

Every step unlocked, the Workbench app, a snapshot for each step, jump-to-any-step navigation, and all new playground releases.

Does it work with an AI agent like Claude or Codex?

Yes. You can work through a playground solo or alongside an AI agent.

Is there reference code?

Yes. Every step has a complete reference solution you can compare against.