Difference Between Algorithm and Model in Machine Learning

Last Updated on August 19, 2020

Machine learning involves the use of machine learning algorithms and models.

For beginners, this is very confusing as often “machine learning algorithm” is used interchangeably with “machine learning model.” Are they the same thing or something different?

As a developer, your intuition with “algorithms” like sort algorithms and search algorithms will help to clear up this confusion.

In this post, you will discover the difference between machine learning “algorithms” and “models.”

After reading this post, you will know:

• Machine learning algorithms are procedures that are implemented in code and are run on data.
• Machine learning models are output by algorithms and are comprised of model data and a prediction algorithm.
• Machine learning algorithms provide a type of automatic programming where machine learning models represent the program.

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