Last Updated on January 20, 2018 What is Machine Learning? We can read authoritative definitions of machine learning, but really, machine learning is defined by the problem being solved. Therefore the best way to understand machine learning is to look at some example problems. In this post we will first look at some well known and understood examples of machine learning problems in the real world. We will then look at a taxonomy (naming system) for standard machine learning problems […]

Last Updated on August 16, 2020 In this post I want to show you that programmers can get into machine learning. I will show you that learning machine learning can be just like learning any other piece of high technology. We’ll compare learning machine learning to learning to program in the first place, which may have been an even larger challenge. Image license some rights reserved by iwannt A Designer Wants to Code Pretend you are a designer, say a […]

Last Updated on September 27, 2016 Discover Your Personal Why And Finally Get Unstuck In this post, we will explore why you are interested in machine learning. We will look at some questions that can help you get to the root of what draws you to the field. We will finish with a map showing the 4 main “whys” so that you identify where you fit and what resources to target. Question Your Why Why are you interested in machine […]

Last Updated on August 16, 2020 There are lots of things you can do to learn about machine learning. There are resources like books and courses you can follow, competitions you can enter and tools you can use. In this post I want to put some structure around these activities and suggest a loose ordering of what to tackle when in your journey from programmer to machine learning master. Four Levels of Machine Learning Consider four levels of competence in […]

Last Updated on June 7, 2016 It is important to know why machine learning matters so that you know the intrinsic value of the field and of methods and open questions in the field. Like knowing your why, knowing the value of the field can be used as a powerful filter of information and help you focus on those methods that actually deliver on the promise that the field makes. In this post you will learn that machine learning matters […]

Last Updated on June 7, 2016 Curiosity is a powerful motivator that you can put to work for you. A need to know more or to understand is a deep-seated human trait that we all have to varying degrees. In this post I want to share with you three aspects of machine learning that drive my curiosity to know more. Like me, you can use those aspects that fascinate you about machine learning as touchstones that you can revisit in order […]

Last Updated on June 7, 2016 It is important to know what is special right now to make machine learning an attractive field to study. Knowing why it is popular now can act like a guide together with knowledge of the promise that the field makes. It can highlight open questions and methods which are growth areas and why that may be the case. Machine learning is popular now. An example of this popularity has been the response to Stanford’s […]

Last Updated on June 7, 2016 Programmers should get involved in the field of machine learning because they are uniquely skilled to make huge contributions. In this post you will learn that as a programmer it can be easy to overlook the skills you have and overvalue those things you don’t know. You will learn about four opportunities for programmers to start making an impact in the field of machine learning almost immediately. Professional Development Practices The discipline of professional […]

Last Updated on August 16, 2020 Machine Learning is a multidisciplinary field and it can be very confusing when you are getting started to differentiate machine learning from the closely related fields of Artificial Intelligence and Data Mining. In this post you will learn about those fields that are related to machine learning. Specifically, you will learn about the boundaries of the field by learning how machine learning builds on fields of mathematics and artificial intelligence and is used within […]