EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  BUSINESS ANALYTICS  CLOUD COMPUTING 

EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  MORE 

MORE  

What is the Difference Between Machine Learning and

Deep Learning
By Vaishali Advani - Apr 1, 2021

Machine Learning and Deep Learning are concepts that are often overlapping. There can be a slight
confusion between the terms, and thus, let us look at Machine learning vs Deep learning, and
understand the similarities and differences between the same.
1. Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning
2. Background EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  BUSINESS ANALYTICS  CLOUD COMPUTING 

3. What is Machine Learning

MORE 
4. Deep Learning
5. Let’s Summarise 

Machine learning uses a set of algorithms to analyse and interpret data, learn from it, and based on
the learnings, make best possible decisions. On the other hand, Deep learning structures the
algorithms into multiple layers in order to create an “artificial neural network”. This neural network
can learn from the data and make intelligent decisions on its own.

Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

Machine Learning Deep Learning
Machine learning uses algorithms to parse Deep learning structures algorithms in layers to
data, learn from that data, and make informed create an “artificial neural network” that can learn
decisions based on what it has learned and make intelligent decisions on its own
Can train on lesser training data Requires large data sets for training
Takes less time to train Takes longer time to train
Trains on CPU Trains on GPU for proper training
The output is in numerical form for The output can be in any form including free form
classification and scoring applications elements such as free text and sound
Limited tuning capability for hyperparameter
Can be tuned in various ways
tuning

Now that we are aware of some of the differences between deep learning and machine learning, let us
try to understand them better.

Background

What is deep learning? How is it related to machine learning? Is it better than conventional machine
learning? When, where, and why is deep learning used? A lot of questions at once, isn’t it? Deep
learning is a part of the machine learning family which is based on the concept of evolutionary
algorithms. It basically mimics biological processes like evolution.
To get in-depth knowledge on Deep learning, do check out our Free Course on Deep Learning and
EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  BUSINESS ANALYTICS  CLOUD COMPUTING 
Machine Learning at Great Learning Academy. During the course for Deep Learning, you will also
understand the basics of Linear Algebra such as Tensors, Scalars, Vectors,
MORE  Matrix, Determinants, and

Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors. Also, basics of Calculus such as derivatives and Gradient Descent. 
During the course for Machine Learning, you will understand the core concepts of Machine Learning,
Supervised, Unsupervised, and Reinforcement Learning.

Let’s look at another question. Which came first? The chicken or the egg?
Centuries have passed and we haven’t been able to answer this question. But soon, maybe a machine
will! Can it? Will it? Let’s figure out!

So what exactly is machine learning?

Machine learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence that uses statistical strategies to make a machine
learn without being programmed explicitly using the existing set of data. It evolved from the study of
pattern recognition in Artificial Intelligence. For a detailed understanding of Artificial Intelligence vs
machine learning, you can watch this video-

Deep Learning

Conventional machine learning methods tend to succumb to environmental changes whereas deep
learning adapts to these changes by constant feedback and improve the model. Deep learning is
facilitated by neural networks which mimic the neurons in the human brain and embeds multiple-layer
architecture (few visible and few hidden). It is an advanced form of machine learning which collects
data, learns from it, and optimises the model. Often some problems are so complex, that it is
practically impossible for the human brain to comprehend it, and hence programming it is a far
fetched thought. Primitive forms of Siri and Google assistant are an appropriate example of
programmed machine learning as they are found effective in their programmed spectrum. Whereas,
Google’s deep mind is a great example of deep learning. Essentially, deep learning means a machine
which learns by itself by multiple trial and error methods. Often a few hundred million times!
A simple understanding of basic deep learning concepts can be grasped from this video on neural
networks:

Now that was pretty impressive, right?

Let us think of writing a program which differentiates between an apple and an orange. Although it
EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  BUSINESS ANALYTICS  CLOUD COMPUTING 
may sound like a simple task to accomplish, it is indeed a complex one as we cannot program a
machine to know the difference merely by observing it. We as humans
MOREcan,
 machines can’t! So if we

were to program, we would mention a few specifications of the apple and the orange but it would 
work for simple and clear images like these.

Read Also: Difference Between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Deep Learning

But what if we place a banana?

The machine would probably be befuddled! This is where deep learning comes into the picture. A
conventional machine learning method helps a machine to efficiently perform only a predetermined
set of instructions and tends to become unworthy in case new variables are introduced in the system. It
can be understood better with this video:

Deep learning helps a machine to constantly cope with the surroundings and make adaptable changes.
This ensures versatility of operation. To elaborate, deep learning enables a machine to efficiently
analyse problems through its hidden layer architecture which are otherwise far more complex to be
programmed manually. So, deep learning gets an upper hand when handling colossal volumes of
unstructured data as it does not require any labels to handle the data.

So Let’s Summarise

Deep learning is an advanced form of machine learning which comes in handy when the data to be
dealt with is unstructured and colossal. Thus, deep learning can cater to a larger cap of problems with
greater ease and efficiency. Technological breakthroughs like Google’s Deepmind is the epitome of
the heights that current AI can reach, facilitated by deep learning and neurological networks.
Read Also: Top Deep Learning Interview Questions with Answers
EXPLORE PROGRAMS  ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE  DATA SCIENCE  BUSINESS ANALYTICS  CLOUD COMPUTING 

So maybe we can’t predict which came first, the chicken or the egg MORE
but will

AI be able to? Stick
around to find out!

Machine learning and deep learning can be daunting and difficult to learn by yourself. A gamut of
online free courses have come forward to make things simpler but if you want to take up a rigorous
well-respected course that employers will respect then the Post Graduate Program in Machine
Learning by Great Learning which offers 130 hours of content and personalised mentorship in an
extremely easy to grasp manner is an excellent choice.

Further Reading
1. Data Science vs Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
2. Machine Learning Tutorial For Complete Beginners | Learn Machine Learning with Python
3. Data Science vs Business Analytics – All You Need to Know
4. Where Will The Artificial Intelligence vs Human Intelligence Race Take Us?

Vaishali Advani
Vaishali is a content marketer and has generated content for a wide range of industries including hospitality, e-
commerce, events, and IT. In her current stint, she is a tech-buff writing about innovations in technology and its
professional impact. Personally, she loves to write on abstract concepts that challenge her imagination.