# Tensorphobia and the Outer Product

DevFeed: [Tensorphobia and the Outer Product](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/tensorphobia-and-the-outer-product-40397.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.jeremykun.com/2016/03/28/tensorphobia-outer-product/>)

Published: 2016-03-28T09:00:46Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Jeremy Kun](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/jeremy-kun.md>)

Topics: [math](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/math.md>), [Programming](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/programming.md>)

Tags: [linear-algebra](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/linear-algebra.md>), [math](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/math.md>), [mathematics](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mathematics.md>), [matrices](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/matrices.md>), [matrix](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/matrix.md>), [primer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/primer.md>), [tensors](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/tensors.md>)

## AI overview

An explanation of the outer product of vectors, connecting modern tensor concepts with practical linear algebra. The article develops why the construction of two vectors as a linear map should be understood as natural or canonical.

## Source excerpt

Variations on a theme Back in 2014 I wrote a post called How to Conquer Tensorphobia that should end up on Math $ \cap$ Programming's "greatest hits" album. One aspect of tensors I neglected to discuss was the connection between the modern views of tensors and the practical views of linear algebra. I feel I need to write this because every year or two I forget why it makes sense.