8.7. Some FAQs

8.7.1. Does the Finite Differences use AD at all?

The Finite Differences does not use AD at all, it simply relies on multiple non-linear forward model runs to calculate the gradient. Thus Tapenade is not even required to differentiate the code. To activate the finite differences capabilities, the ALLOW_GRDCHK flag must be set, either within the compilation command itself or in the header file.

8.7.2. Why use the Finite Differences when the adjoint is much faster?

The finite differences is supposed to be a validation test for the gradient generated using the adjoint mode. For fine grids, it only makes sense to use FD to validate the values of the adjoint at a few points since FD is expensive, requiring 2 non-linear forward model runs per evaluation of one component of the gradient.