Machine Learning Basics

Machine Learning (ML) is a branch of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and computer science which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to imitate the way that humans learn, gradually improving its accuracy.

ML vs. Traditional Programming

In traditional programming, a programmer writes rules (code) that take data and produce an output. In Machine Learning, you give the machine data and the desired output, and it creates the rules itself!

The Three Main Types of Machine Learning

1. Supervised Learning: The machine learns from labeled data (e.g., pictures of cats labeled "cat").
2. Unsupervised Learning: The machine finds patterns in unlabeled data (e.g., grouping customers by behavior).
3. Reinforcement Learning: The machine learns by trial and error to achieve a goal (e.g., learning to play a video game).

Why it Matters

From your Netflix recommendations to self-driving cars, Machine Learning is the engine behind many of the "smart" features we use every day.