Random Forest Algorithms' Advantages for Greener Machine Learning
Tags: machinelearning, randomforest, 100daysofdatascience, introduction
Published: 2023-02-13 09:37:40

## Introduction

Random Forest is a well-known and commonly applied ensemble learning technique in machine learning that functions by building many decision trees and combining them to get a more reliable prediction.

The data is divided into subsets according to specific features in decision tree algorithms, and a decision is taken on each split. The issue with decision trees is that they don't generalise well to new data and can easily overfit the data. By integrating various decision trees into a single model and averaging the predictions of the different trees, the random forest algorithm solves this issue.

## Here's how it works:

Multiple decision trees are built and then combined in Random Forest algorithms to produce a more reliable prediction. Data is divided into subsets according to specific features in decision tree algorithms, and a decision is taken for each split. Decision trees, however, have a tendency to overfit the data and have poor generalizability to new data. By integrating various decision trees into a single model and averaging the predictions of the different trees, the random forest algorithm solves this issue.

## Where to Use:

The Random Forest algorithms are especially beneficial for high-dimensional data with intricate feature relationships. Numerous applications, including image classification, text classification, and even medical diagnosis, have demonstrated their effectiveness. The random forest method is a popular option for many practitioners since it is simple to use and requires little feature engineering or pre-processing.

## Where to Not Use:

Even though Random Forest methods are flexible, not all forms of data should be used with them. They are inappropriate, for instance, for data that have a strong correlation between the dependent and independent variables or that are extremely linear. Other techniques, like linear regression, may be a preferable option in such circumstances.

## Advantages:

1. Simple to Use: Little pre-processing or feature engineering is needed when using the random forest technique.
    
2. Interpretability: The method's decision trees can be seen and understood, which makes the random forest algorithm rather simple to understand.
    
3. The random forest technique is an excellent option for datasets with a high amount of noise since it is resilient to outliers and does not make firm assumptions about the data distribution.
    
4. Accommodate Missing Values: Because the random forest technique can handle missing values, it is a viable option for datasets with incomplete or missing data.
    

## Disadvantages:

1. Poor Performance: Random Forest algorithms may be computationally time-consuming and poor performers, which makes them less appropriate for real-time applications.
    
2. Overfitting: If there are too many trees in the forest, the algorithm can overfit the data, which would lead to subpar performance on unobserved data.
    

## Applications:

Random Forest algorithms are widely utilised in a variety of industries, including text categorization, image identification, and medical diagnosis. Additionally, they are utilised in risk management, client segmentation, and financial forecasting.

Last but not least, Random Forest algorithms provide a potent machine learning technique that can aid in lowering the carbon footprint of AI applications. The programme can make reliable predictions while using less energy since it combines different decision trees. Random Forest algorithms are a useful addition to any data scientist's toolkit because of its simplicity, interpretability, and robustness.