Efficient Automation of Neural Network Design: A Survey on Differentiable Neural Architecture Search
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Abstract (arXiv)
In the past few years, Differentiable Neural Architecture Search (DNAS) rapidly imposed itself as the trending approach to automate the discovery of deep neural network architectures. This rise is mainly due to the popularity of DARTS, one of the first major DNAS methods. In contrast with previous works based on Reinforcement Learning or Evolutionary Algorithms, DNAS is faster by several orders of magnitude and uses fewer computational resources. In this comprehensive survey, we focus specifically on DNAS and review recent approaches in this field. Furthermore, we propose a novel challenge-based taxonomy to classify DNAS methods. We also discuss the contributions brought to DNAS in the past few years and its impact on the global NAS field. Finally, we conclude by giving some insights into future research directions for the DNAS field.
Key facts. Cited by 5 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 88 of its 143 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 11 Apr 2023.
Builds on
88 of 143 references.
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38 more
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50 most cited of 88 All 88 (JSON)
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Citing papers per year: 2023: 1; 2024: 1; 2025: 2; 2026: 1.
5 papers.
- 2023Real-Time Semantic Segmentation: A Brief Survey & Comparative Study in Remote Sensingcited by 4
- 2024OStr-DARTS: Differentiable Neural Architecture Search based on Operation Strengthcited by 4
- 2025Architecture-Aware Minimization (A2M): How to Find Flat Minima in Neural Architecture Searchcited by 2
- 2026Align Forward, Adapt Backward: Closing the Discretization Gap in Logic Gate Networkscited by 2
- 2025Policy-Driven Transfer Learning in Resource-Limited Animal Monitoringcited by 1
- 2026Align Forward, Adapt Backward: Closing the Discretization Gap in Logic Gate Networks14 Mar 2026
- 2025Policy-Driven Transfer Learning in Resource-Limited Animal Monitoring13 Sep 2025
- 2025Architecture-Aware Minimization (A2M): How to Find Flat Minima in Neural Architecture Search13 Mar 2025
- 2024OStr-DARTS: Differentiable Neural Architecture Search based on Operation Strength22 Sep 2024
- 2023Real-Time Semantic Segmentation: A Brief Survey & Comparative Study in Remote Sensing12 Sep 2023