SBI Bug: Missing Plotting Classes In Latest Release

Hey guys! So, I ran into a bit of a snag while diving into the sbi library, specifically with the plotting functionality. I was following this super helpful tutorial on the sbi.analysis.pairplot function, which seemed awesome:

https://sbi.readthedocs.io/en/latest/advanced_tutorials/17_plotting_functionality.html

I was getting all hyped to use the HistDiagOptions class, but then I hit a wall. Turns out, with a fresh install of sbi 0.25.0, the plotting_classes module just wasn't there. Talk about a buzzkill!

The Problem: ModuleNotFoundError

Okay, so here's the deal. I tried importing HistDiagOptions like the tutorial said, and boom, ModuleNotFoundError. This means Python couldn't find the sbi.analysis.plotting_classes module. That's a problem, because if the tutorial references it, you'd expect it to be available, right?

I'm using Python 3.13.9, and here's what my pip list shows:

$ uv pip list | grep sbi
# ...
sbi 0.25.0

So, I'm definitely on the latest version of sbi at the time of this writing (version 0.25.0), yet the module is missing. This discrepancy between the documentation and the actual library installation is a real head-scratcher. It's like the tutorial is showing off features that aren't actually in the current release. This can be super confusing for users trying to learn and use the library. It is like the documentation and the releases aren't quite on the same page, which can be frustrating.

Steps to Reproduce the Issue

Here's how you can reproduce the error yourself, guys. It's pretty straightforward:

1. Make sure you have sbi installed: If you don't already have it, install it using pip install sbi.
2. Check your Python version: Make sure you're using Python 3.x (the tutorial doesn't specify which Python version, but Python 3.x is the most common).
3. Run the import statement: Open your Python interpreter (or a Python script) and try to import HistDiagOptions from sbi.analysis.plotting_classes:

from sbi.analysis.plotting_classes import HistDiagOptions

If you get a ModuleNotFoundError, you've hit the same issue. The missing module means the class isn't accessible, breaking the tutorial's instructions. This is a bit of a bummer because the tutorial highlights useful plotting customization options, which are not currently available in the latest release.

Expected Behavior

What we expect to happen is simple: the import statement should work without any errors. The plotting_classes module should be available, and we should be able to access the classes defined within it, such as HistDiagOptions. The tutorial would then function as expected, allowing users to customize their plots with the options described.

Basically, the tutorial and the actual library release should be in sync. The classes and modules mentioned in the documentation should be present in the released version of the library. It's all about consistency and making sure the documentation reflects the actual state of the code.

Additional Context: Documentation vs. Release

I'm guessing (though I haven't confirmed it) that the core issue is that the tutorials and the library releases aren't perfectly synchronized. This can happen for several reasons. Sometimes, new features or changes are documented before they're fully integrated into a stable release. It can also happen when the documentation isn't updated to reflect changes in the library's structure or the removal of certain features.

Whatever the reason, this mismatch creates a bit of a usability hurdle for users. It can lead to confusion, frustration, and wasted time as people try to figure out why the code in the tutorial isn't working.

It's important to keep the documentation up-to-date and in sync with the releases. It would be super helpful if the tutorials were regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest changes in the library. This ensures that the documentation is accurate and provides a smooth learning experience for users. This also avoids misleading the users.

To the SBI developers:

Guys, if you're reading this, a quick check of the documentation and releases to ensure they're aligned would be amazing. Thanks for creating such a cool library!

Potential Solutions and Workarounds

So, what can we do in the meantime? Here are a few thoughts:

• Check the SBI documentation carefully: It's possible there's an updated section somewhere that describes how to achieve the same plotting customization without using plotting_classes. The core plotting functionality may have been changed.
• Look for alternative plotting methods: The sbi library might offer alternative ways to achieve the same customization effects using other modules and functions. Check the existing documentation for the plotting functions to see if there are newer ways of using the same functionality.
• Rollback to an older SBI version: If you really need to use the plotting_classes module, you could try installing an older version of sbi. Be warned, though, that this might create compatibility issues with other parts of your code, and you may miss out on bug fixes and new features in the newer releases.
• Contribute to the documentation: If you find a solution, consider contributing to the sbi documentation. This helps other users facing the same issue.

Conclusion: Keeping it Real

So, there you have it, folks. A little hiccup in the sbi library with the missing plotting_classes module. It's a reminder that even the best libraries can have their quirks. The key is to be aware of these issues, and hopefully, this will help you troubleshoot it. Keep learning, keep experimenting, and don't be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

In the meantime, let's hope the sbi team can get the documentation and releases back in sync soon. It's a testament to the fact that continuous improvement and attention to detail are important for making a great library. So keep an eye out for updates, and let's continue to enjoy the awesome things that sbi provides. Peace out!