Introduction to Machine Learning
Tags: beginners, python, machinelearning, programming
Published: 2023-07-27 12:34:49

Hey there! Welcome to Machine Learning with Python Series, where we'll dive into the fascinating world of Machine Learning and explore its various applications. Don't worry if you're new to this field; we'll start with the basics and take it step by step.

## What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that empowers computers to learn from data without being explicitly programmed. It's like teaching a computer to recognize patterns and make decisions on its own.

### AI vs Machine Learning

You might wonder, "What's the difference between AI and Machine Learning?" Well, AI is the broader concept of creating machines that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence. Machine Learning, on the other hand, is an AI approach that focuses on making machines learn from data. In other words, Machine Learning is a subset of AI.

### Deep Learning vs Machine Learning

Another term you might come across is Deep Learning. Deep Learning is a specific type of Machine Learning that uses artificial neural networks to mimic the human brain's structure. It's great for tasks like image and speech recognition. We will cover it in this series.

## Major Applications of Machine Learning

Machine Learning has found its way into various industries, making significant impacts. From recommendation systems on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify to autonomous vehicles such as Tesla, the possibilities are vast. We will start from small projects, and we will cover as much applications as we can. For each concept we learn in this series, we will implement each of them in real-life scenarios.


## Python for Machine Learning

Now, you might be wondering how to get started with Machine Learning. Well, Python is the way to go! It's a versatile and beginner-friendly programming language that's widely used in the ML community.

### How much Python do I need?

You don't need to be a Python expert from the start. A basic understanding of Python syntax will get you going. As you progress, you'll learn more Python skills along the way.

### Where to learn Python Basics?

There are plenty of resources available online to learn Python. Websites like Codecademy, Coursera, and YouTube tutorials are great places to start. You can also find interactive coding platforms to practice your skills. I recommend taking "Python Crash Course For Beginners" on Youtube by Traversy Media Channel.

Focus on basic concepts such as 
-  _Variables and Data Types:_ Integer, Floats, Strings, Lists, Tuples and Dictionaries
- _Control Flow:_ if-else statements, for and while loops
- _Functions:_ Define and Use Functions
- _Classes_: Creating your own classes, adding methods, instantiating classes and using methods, and other basic concepts of Object-Oriented programming will help, but you don't worry, we will explain them as we go, it is not an absolute necessary to get started.


## About this Series

You might be wondering why this series is unique. Well, it's because I'm not an expert either! I'm just a fellow student like you. I want to explain each concept in the most intuitive way possible, so we can learn together.

Throughout this series, I'll be sharing tips and tricks from my own experience, helping you overcome any obstacles you might encounter. Together, we'll make this Machine Learning journey fun and rewarding!

So buckle up, and let's embark on this exciting adventure into the world of Machine Learning! If you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask, and we'll learn together. Happy coding! 😊