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Machine Learning (ML) Tutorial

Machine Learning, often abbreviated as ML is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
that works on algorithm developments and statistical models that allow computers to
learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed.
Hence, in simpler terms, machine learning allows computers to learn from data
and make decisions or predictions without being explicitly programmed to do
so. Essentially, machine learning algorithms learn patterns and relationships from data,
allowing them to generalize from instances and make predictions or conclusions on new
and uncovered data.

How does Machine Learning Work?

Broadly Machine Learning process includes Project Setup, Data Preparation, Modeling
and Deployment. The following figure demonstrates the common working process of
Machine Learning. It follows some set of steps to do the task; a sequential process of its
workflow is as follows -

Stages of Machine Learning

A detailed sequential process of Machine Learning includes some set of steps of phases
which are as –

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Data collection: Data collection is an initial step in the process of machine

learning. Data is a fundamental part of machine learning, the quality and quantity
of your data can have direct consequences for model performance. Different
sources such as databases, text files, pictures, sound files, or web scraping may
be used for data collection. Data needs to be prepared for machine learning once
it has been collected. This process is to organize the data in an appropriate
format, such as a CSV file or database, and make sure that they are useful for
solving your problem.
Data pre-processing: Pre-processing of data is a key step in the process of
machine learning. It involves deleting duplicate data, fixing errors, managing
missing data either by eliminating or filling it in, and adjusting and formatting the
data. Pre-processing improves the quality of your data and ensures that your
machine-learning model can read it right. The accuracy of your model may be
significantly improved by this step.
Choosing the right model: The next step is to select a machine learning model;
once data is prepared then we apply it to ML Models like Linear regression,
decision trees, and Neural Networks that may be selected to implement. The
selection of the model generally depends on what kind of data you're dealing with

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and your problem. The size and type of data, complexity, and computational
resources should be taken into account when choosing a model to apply.
Training the model: The next step is to train it with the data that has been
prepared after you have chosen a model. Training is about connecting the data to
the model and enabling it to adjust its parameters to predict output more
accurately. Overfitting and underfitting must be avoided during the training.
Evaluating the model: It is important to assess the model's performance before
deployment as soon as a model has been trained. This means that the model has
to be tested on new data that they haven't been able to see during training.
Accuracy in classifying problems, precision and recall for binary classification
problems, as well as mean error squared with regression problems, are common
metrics to evaluate the performance of a model.
Hyperparameter tuning and optimization: You may need to adjust its
hyperparameters to make it more efficient after you've evaluated the model. Grid
searches, where you try different combinations of parameters, and cross-
validation, where you divide your data into subsets and train your model on each
subset, to ensure that it performs well on different data sets, are techniques for
hyperparameter tuning.
Predictions and deployment: As soon as the model has been programmed and
optimized, it will be ready to estimate new data. This is done by adding new data
to the model and using its output for decision-making or other analysis. The
deployment of this model involves its integration into a production environment
where it is capable of processing real-world data and providing timely
information.

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Types of Machine Learning

Machine learning models fall into the following categories:

Supervised Machine Learning (SVM): Supervised machine learning uses

labeled datasets to train algorithms to classify data or predict outcomes. As input
data is inputted into the model, its weights modify until it fits into the model; this
process is known as cross validation which ensures the model is not overfitted or
underfitted.

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Supervised learning helps organizations scale real-world challenges like spam

classification in a different folder from your inbox. Different methods for
supervised learning include neural networks, naïve Bayes, linear regression,
logistic regression, random forest, and SVM.
Unsupervised Machine Learning: Unsupervised machine learning analyses and
clusters unlabelled datasets using machine learning methods. The algorithms find
hidden patterns or data groupings without human interaction. This method is
useful for exploratory data analysis, cross-selling, consumer segmentation, and
image and pattern recognition.

It also reduces model features through dimensionality reduction using prominent

methods of Principal component analysis (PCA) and singular value decomposition
(SVD). Neural networks, k-means clustering, and probabilistic clustering are
some popular methods of unsupervised learning.
Semi-supervised learning: As its name implies; Semi-supervised learning is an
integration of supervised and unsupervised learning. This method uses both
labeled and unlabelled data to train ML models for classification and regression
tasks. Semi-supervised learning is a best practice to utilize to solve the problem

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where a user doesn't have enough labeled data for a supervised learning
algorithm.

Hence, it's an appropriate method to solve the problem where data is partially
labeled or unlabelled. Self-training, co-training, and graph-based labeling are
some of the popular Semi-supervised learning methods.
Reinforcement Machine Learning: Reinforcement machine learning is a type
of machine learning model that is similar to supervised learning but does not use
sample data to train the algorithm. This model learns by trial and error.

A series of good results will be reinforced to create the optimal proposal or policy
for a specific problem.

Common Machine Learning Algorithms

Several machine learning algorithms are commonly used. These include:

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Neural networks: Neural networks function similarly to the human brain,

comprising multiple linked processing nodes. Neural networks excel at pattern
identification and are used in different applications such as natural language
processing, image recognition, speech recognition, and creating images.

Linear regression: This algorithm predicts numerical values using a linear

relationship between variables. For example, linear regression is used to forecast
housing prices based on past data in a particular area.

Logistic regression: This supervised learning method predicts categorical

variables, such as "yes/no" replies to questions. It is suitable for applications
such as spam classification and quality control on a production line.

Clustering: Clustering algorithms use unsupervised learning to find patterns in

data and organise it accordingly. Computers can assist data scientists by
identifying differences between data items that humans have overlooked.

Decision trees: Decision trees are useful for categorising data and for regression
analysis, which predicts numerical values. A tree structure can be used to
illustrate the branching sequence of linked decisions used in decision trees. Unlike
neural networks, decision trees can be easily validated and audited.

Random forests: ML predicts a value or category by integrating results from

different decision trees.

Importance of Machine Learning

Machine Learning is important in automation, extracting insights from data, and
decision-making processes. It has its significance due to the following reasons:

Data processing: The main reason machine learning has become so important
is to process and make sense of large amounts of data. Traditional methods of
data analysis are becoming insufficient given the explosion of digital information
coming from social media, sensors, and other sources. This data is important and
reveals hidden patterns and provides invaluable insight for decision-making
processes, which can be exploited by machine learning algorithms.

Data-driven insights: Machine learning algorithms can find patterns, trends,

and correlations in big data sets that humans cannot. Better decisions and
forecasts can be made with this information.

Automation: Machine learning automates manual activities, saving time and

decreasing errors by learning from data and improving over time, ML algorithms
can perform previously manual tasks, freeing humans to focus on more complex
and creative tasks. This not only increases efficiency but also opens up new
possibilities for innovation. Data entry, classification, and anomaly detection can
be automated with machine learning.

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Personalization: User preferences and behavior can be analyzed using machine

learning algorithms to generate personalized recommendations and experiences.
It is most widely used in social media like e-commerce, and streaming services
by providing a way to increase user engagement and satisfaction.

Predictive analytics: Models of machine learning may be trained to predict

subsequent outcomes based on past data. This is useful for different applications
like sales forecasts, risk management, and demand planning.

Optimization: Machine learning algorithms optimize systems and processes for

efficiency and performance. Their smart grid optimizations include supply chain
logistics, resource allocation, and energy consumption.

Pattern recognition: Machine learning is useful in image, audio, and natural

language processing because it can recognize complicated data patterns easily
and timely.

Healthcare: Machine learning is used in disease diagnosis, outbreaks;

personalized patient treatment plans, personalized treatment planning, medical
imaging accuracy, and drug discovery. It accurate diagnosis, medical image
processing, genomic data, and electronic health records.

Finance: Machine learning is used for credit scoring, algorithmic trading, and
fraud detection.

Retail: Machine learning can also be used for recommendation systems, supply
chains, or customer service.

Fraud detection and cybersecurity: Machine Learning algorithms can detect

patterns of fraudulent behavior for financial transactions by detecting and
mitigating security threats in real-time, it is used to enhance cybersecurity as
well.

Continuous improvement: It is possible to train and update machine learning

models with new data at regular intervals, enabling them to adapt to changes in
the environment as well as improve over time.

Machine Learning enables organizations to take advantage of the power of data to gain
insight, streamline processes and drive innovation throughout a variety of sectors.

Applications of Machine Learning

Nowadays; Machine Learning is used almost everywhere. However, some most
commonly used applicable areas of Machine Learning are:

Speech recognition: It is also known as automatic speech recognition (ASR),

computer speech recognition, or speech-to-text, and it is a capability that uses
natural language processing (NLP) to translate human speech into a written

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format. To perform voice search, such as Siri, or improve text accessibility, a

large number of Mobile Devices incorporate speech recognition into their systems.
Customer service: Chatbots are replacing human operators on websites and
social media, affecting client engagement. Chatbots answer shipping FAQs, offer
personalized advice, cross-sell products, and recommend sizes. Some common
examples are virtual agents on e-commerce sites, Slack and Facebook Messenger
bots, and virtual and voice assistants.

Computer vision: This artificial intelligence technology allows computers to

derive meaningful information from digital images, videos, and other visual inputs
that can then be used for appropriate action. Computer vision, powered by
convolutional neural networks, is used for photo tagging on social media,
radiology imaging in healthcare, and self-driving cars in the automotive industry.
Recommendation engines: AI algorithms may help to detect trends in data
that might be useful for developing more efficient marketing strategies using past
data patterns. Online retailers use recommendation engines to provide their
customers with relevant product recommendations for the purchasing process.

Robotic process automation (RPA): Also known as software robotics, RPA

uses intelligent automation technologies to perform repetitive manual tasks.

Automated stock trading: AI-driven high-frequency trading platforms are

designed to optimize stock portfolios and make thousands or even millions of
trades each day without human intervention.

Fraud detection: Machine learning is capable of detecting suspected

transactions for banks and others in the financial sector. A model can be trained
by supervised learning, based on knowledge of recent fraudulent transactions.
Anomaly detection may identify transactions that appear unusual, and need to be
followed up.

Target Audience
This machine learning tutorial has been prepared for those who want to learn about
the basics and advances of Machine Learning. In a broader sense; ML is a subset of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) that focuses on developing algorithms and models that allow
computers to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly
programmed to do so. Machine learning requires data. This data can be text, images,
audio, numbers, or video. The quality and quantity of data considerably affect machine
learning model performance. Features are data qualities used to predict or decide.
Feature selection and engineering entail selecting and formatting the most relevant
features for the model.

Prerequisites to Learn Machine Learning

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You should have a basic understanding of the technical aspects of Machine Learning.
Learners should be familiar with data, information, and its basics. Knowledge of Data,
information, structured data, unstructured data, semi-structured data, data processing,
and Artificial Intelligence basics; Proficiency in labeled / unlabelled data, feature
extraction from data, and their application in ML to solve common problems is a must.

Algorithms and mathematical models are the most essential things to learn before
exploring Machine Learning concepts. These prerequisites give a solid basis for Machine
Learning, but it's also important to understand that the specific requirements may vary
as per Machine Learning models, complexity, cutting-edge technologies, and nature of
the work.

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