Pre-requisites
Machine Learning courses do not always require prior knowledge in the area, it probably boils down to how efficiently you can operate and deal with statistical means, histograms, computer languages, variables, linear equations, and so on. In a nutshell, if you want to pursue machine learning, you must be well trained.
To get you started, below is a list of machine learning prerequisites.
wbcr_snippet
1- Statistics
Statistics, as a field, is primarily concerned with the collecting, sorting, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data. Some of you may have anticipated how statistics might help Machine Learning. Of course, data is a significant aspect of any technology nowadays.
There are two types of statistics: descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics, as the name implies, are numbers that summarize a certain data set; in other words, Descriptive statistics summarizes the data set at hand into something more intelligible. Inferential statistics infer conclusions from a subset of data rather than the complete data set.
2- Probability
It expresses how probable an event is to occur. All data-driven judgments are founded on probability. You will be dealing with the following in machine learning:
- Notation
- Joint and conditional probability distributions.
- Probability rules include the Bayes theorem, the sum rule, and the product or chain rule.
- Independence
- Random variables that are continuous
These are just a handful of the ideas that machine learning students will be exposed to.
3- Linear Algebra
While linear algebra is essential to machine learning, the interactions between the two are hazy. They can only be explained by abstract ideas like vector spaces and matrix operations. In machine learning, linear algebra encompasses concepts such as
- Algorithms written in code
- Linear transformations
- Notations
- Multiplication of matrices
- Tensors, and their ranks.
4- Calculus
It is essential for developing a machine learning model. Calculus, an integral component of many Machine Learning algorithms, is another path you might take to pursue a career in machine learning. As a candidate, you should become acquainted with:
- Fundamental understanding of integration and differentiation
- Partially derived terms
- Slope or gradient
- Chain rule—for neural network training
5- Programming Languages
Because machine learning methods are implemented with code, it is beneficial to have a solid foundation in programming. While you may get by as a rookie programmer by focusing on mathematics, mastering at least one programming language can greatly improve your knowledge of the fundamental processes of machine learning. However, you must master a programming language that will allow you to apply machine learning algorithms easily. Here are a few examples of popular programming languages: