DEV Community

iMrLopez
iMrLopez

Posted on • Originally published at blog.marnylopez.com on

Machine learning for dummies, what is machine learning?

What is machine learning?

Machine learning (ML) is a sort of artificial intelligence (AI) that permits software to improve its accuracy at foreseeing outcomes without being clearly programmed to do so. To forecast new output values, machine learning algorithms utilize historical data as input.

Machine learning is frequently applied to recommendation engines. spam filtering, Fraud detection, malware threat recognition, business process automation (BPA), and predictive upkeep are just a few of the other common applications.

Why Is Machine Learning Important?

The application of Machine Learning in numerous disciplines is growing in popularity as the amount of data available grows. Machine learning presents a slew of ways for extracting information from data and turning it into actionable goals.

In general, a single trip takes longer than usual to accomplish because it involves several means of transportation and traffic timing to get to the destination.

Google Maps can check the agility of shifting traffic at any time using location data from cellphones, and it can also categorize user-reported traffic such as construction, traffic, and accidents.

Gmail divides emails into categories like Primary, Promotions, Social, and Update, and labels them as important.

When you upload a photo to Facebook, it automatically recognizes faces and provides tags for friends. Face recognition on Facebook is done with the help of AI and machine learning.

A plagiarism detector can be built using machine learning. Many institutions and universities require plagiarism checkers to assess students' writing abilities.

Machine learning can also be used to predict disease breakthroughs, drive medical data for outcomes research, plan and support therapy, and manage the complete patient.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence have made our lives a lot easier, and we may expect even more technical advancements in the future thanks to some AI and ML developments. As we've seen in a number of apps here, machine learning is being applied in the real world to improve our lives. For industries that wish to stand out in the market, it also allows us to make business decisions, streamline processes, and boost productivity.

How machine learning works

UC Berkeley (link outside IBM) divides a machine learning algorithm's learning system into three components.

A model optimization process

Weights are modified to lessen the difference between the known example and the model estimate if the model can match the data points in the training set better. The algorithm will repeat this assess and optimize the procedure, changing weights on its own until an accuracy criterion is reached.

a decision process:

Machine learning algorithms are frequently used to make predictions or categorize data. Your algorithm will produce an estimate of a pattern in the data based on certain input data, which can be unlabeled or labeled.

An error functions

An error function is used to evaluate the model's prediction. If known examples exist, an error function can be used to compare the model's accuracy.

Training Methods for Machine Learning Differ

Machine learning has obvious advantages for AI systems. But which machine learning strategy is best for your company? There are numerous ML training methods available, including:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->supervised learning

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->unsupervised learning

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->semi-supervised learning

Let's have a look at what they have to offer.

More control, less bias: Supervised learning

Supervised learning, also referred to as supervised machine learning, is a subcategory of machine learning and artificial intelligence. It is defined by the use of labeled datasets to train algorithms that correctly classify data or predict outcomes. Unsupervised machine learning uses unlabeled or raw data, whereas supervised machine learning uses labelled input and output training data. It can also compare its output to the exact, predicted result to find flaws and make necessary adjustments to the model.

Scale and Speed: Unsupervised Learning

When the material used to train isn't classified or labeled, unsupervised machine learning algorithms are used. Unsupervised learning is the study of how systems infer a function from unlabeled input to explain a hidden structure. The system can never be guaranteed that the output is correct. Rather, it infers the output from datasets.

Reinforcement Learning: Rewards Outcomes

Reinforcement learning is a machine learning training approach that rewards desirable behaviors while punishing those that are undesired. In general, a reinforcement learning agent can observe and grasp its environment, act, and learn through trial and error.

What are some of the difficulties we face when it comes to machine learning?

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Insufficient Data

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Poor-Quality Data

<!--[if !supportLists]-->· <!--[endif]-->Irrelevant Features

Insufficient Data

We need massive datasets to train a machine learning model. We sometimes need thousands of photos and millions of records to forecast complex tasks like object detection.

Poor-Quality Data

Our machine learning method will always provide surprising results if the input data is incorrect, no matter how robust it is. To improve our system's performance, we must minimize noise and eliminate outliers from our dataset. An outlier is a phenomenon that is unique to every member of a group.

Irrelevant Features

Sometimes the dataset we have doesn't have all the features we need to train our model. In that case, we can either remove the unnecessary features or combine them to create a useful feature. Feature engineering is the term for the process of selecting and extracting features.

Machine Learning in the Future

Machine learning, despite its imperfections, remains vital to AI's development. However, this achievement will be dependent on a different approach to AI that addresses its shortcomings, such as the "black box" problem that arises when machines learn unsupervised. Symbolic AI, or a rule-based data processing methodology, is that approach. To define concepts and semantic links, a symbolic method uses an open box called a knowledge graph.

Hybrid AI is a technique that combines machine learning and symbolic AI to enable AI to understand language rather than just data. This powerful method is redefining how data is used across the company by providing deeper insight into what was learned and why.

Machine learning and artificial intelligence are already having a significant impact on our lives, and their importance is only growing. The more you know, the more equipped you'll be to deal with these changes as they occur.

Latest comments (0)