Machine Learning with Python
by Akshat Bahuguna
Introduction to Machine Learning
Machine learning teaches computers pattern
recognition and decision-making from examples. Unlike
traditional programming, it enables systems to learn
underlying patterns autonomously, adapting to new
data without explicit instructions. This mimics human
learning processes, allowing for sophisticated analytical
capabilities.
Applications span various industries. In banking, ML
detects fraudulent transactions by analyzing spending
patterns. Healthcare uses AI to identify diseases in
medical images, often exceeding human accuracy.
Retail leverages ML for inventory optimization and
dynamic pricing, enhancing operational efficiency and
customer experience.
Why Python for Machine Learning?
Simple Syntax
Python's syntax resembles natural English. This makes it accessible for beginners. Yet, it retains
power for advanced applications.
Rich Ecosystem
Specialized libraries handle complex math. This allows focus on concepts. Implementations of
algorithms are readily available.
Vibrant Community
Millions of developers contribute to open-source projects. Tutorials and solutions are widely
shared. This fosters collaboration and problem-solving.
Essential Libraries for ML in Python
NumPy: Mathematical Pandas: Data Manipulation Matplotlib & Seaborn:
Backbone Visualization
A powerful tool for data
Provides efficient operations on manipulation and analysis. Matplotlib provides foundational
large arrays of numbers. Powers Excels at reading, cleaning, and charting capabilities. Seaborn
all machine learning algorithms. transforming datasets. Offers builds on it for attractive
Essential for numerical flexibility for various data statistical visualizations. Both
computing in Python. sources. are crucial for data exploration.
Scikit-learn: Algorithms Jupyter Notebooks: Interactive
The crown jewel for classical machine learning Preferred development environment for ML. Allows
algorithms. Offers a consistent interface across interactive code execution and immediate results.
diverse algorithms. Simplifies applying various Perfect for data exploration and experimentation.
models.
Understanding Machine Learning Concepts
Data Collection and Prep
Define the Problem Gather and clean raw data. This
includes handling missing values.
Clearly specify the goal. Are you
Prepare it for algorithm processing.
predicting, classifying, or
discovering patterns? This directs
Understand Features
the approach.
Identify individual pieces of
information. Select and engineer
the right features. This is key for
Address model effectiveness.
Overfitting/Underfitting
Overfitting: model too specialized
Train-Test Split
to training data. Underfitting: model Separate data for training and
too simple for patterns. Balance is evaluation. Use training data to
crucial for reliability. teach the model. Evaluate with
unseen testing data.
Linear and Logistic Regression
Linear Regression Logistic Regression
Predicts continuous numerical values. Fits a straight line to minimize prediction Used for classification tasks, not regression. Predicts probability of class
errors. Models linear relationships between variables. membership. Uses sigmoid function for 0-1 probability.
• Equation: Y = b0 + b1X1 + ... + bnXn + ε • Sigmoid: P(Y=1|X) = 1 / (1 + e^-(b0+...))
• Purpose: Predict continuous outcomes. • Purpose: Classify binary outcomes.
• Assumptions: Linear relationship, constant variance. • Decision: Probability threshold (e.g., 0.5).
Supervised and Unsupervised Learning
Supervised Learning Unsupervised Learning
Trained on labeled data with known outputs. Aims to map inputs to Trained on unlabeled data. Explores data structure, finds hidden
outputs for predictions. patterns. Groups similar items.
1 Decision Trees 1 K-Means Clustering
Flowchart structure for decisions. Splits data on informative Divides data into K clusters. Assigns points to nearest cluster
features. Easy to understand, prone to overfitting. center. Simple and popular algorithm.
2 Random Forests 2 Hierarchical Clustering
Combines multiple decision trees. Improves accuracy and Builds a tree-like cluster structure. Merges or splits clusters
robustness. Less interpretable than single trees. iteratively. No pre-specified K needed.
3 K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) 3 Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
Predicts by finding K closest points. Simple, no explicit Reduces features into uncorrelated components. Captures
training needed. Slow for large datasets. most data variance. Helps with visualization and noise
reduction.
