What is Machine Learning? What are its three main types, applications and benefits?

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What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI) which involves the creation of statistical models and algorithms that allow computers to learn from data and make predictions without being explicitly programmed, gradually improving their accuracy.

A model is created using machine learning algorithms from sample data which is referred to as training data so that predictions or decisions can be taken without being explicitly programmed to do so.
Machine learning algorithms are used in a wide range of applications, including medical, email filtering, speech recognition, agriculture, and computer where developing traditional algorithms to perform the required tasks would be difficult or impossible.

Machine learning and statistical learning are not always synonymous. The subset of machine learning is closely related to algorithms and statistics, which focuses on making predictions with computers. Mathematical optimization research advances in the field of machine learning by providing methods, theory, and application domains. Data mining, which is an important component of machine learning, is a related field of study that focuses on analyzing data using unsupervised learning.

Machine learning programs can carry out tasks that have not been explicitly programmed. Computers use previous data to learn how to perform specific tasks. For simple tasks assigned to computers, it is possible to program algorithms that instruct the machine on how to execute all steps required to solve the problem at hand; no learning is required on the computer’s part. Humans may find it difficult to manually create the algorithms required for more advanced tasks. In practice, assisting the machine in developing its own algorithm may be more efficient than having human programmers specify each necessary step.

As you feed more data into a machine, the algorithms learn more about the machine, which improves the results. For example, when you ask Alexa to play your favorite music station on Amazon Echo or any other device, she will default to the station you have most recently listened to. You can enhance and refine your listening experience even further by telling Alexa to skip songs, adjust the volume, and a variety of other commands.

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Below are three main types of machine learning

Supervised learning: It is one of the most common types of machine learning used. It involves training a model based on a labeled dataset whose desired output is already known. In other words, we train the machine with input and output and the machine learns to map the input to desired output.

Supervised learning has proven to be effective for several business purposes including sale forecasting, fraud detection, and inventory optimization.

Unsupervised learning: In this type of machine learning, the system is not provided with labeled data and needs to find out patterns and relations between the input data on its own.

This type of machine learning is used to create predictive models. Common applications create a model that groups objects together based on certain properties like creating customer groups based on the spending pattern and grouping inventory based on its sales.

Reinforcement learning: When the systems learn from a sequence of decisions by interacting with the environment and receiving feedback in form of rewards or penalties.

In order to make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so, machine learning algorithms construct a model from sample data also referred to as training data. Machine learning algorithms are used in a wide range of applications, including medicine, email filtering, speech recognition, agriculture, and computer vision, where developing traditional algorithms to perform the required tasks would be difficult or impossible.

Applications of machine learning

Machine Learning is already being used around us making our lives easier. Here are a few ways it’s used that you should know:

Social media features: Algorithms based on machine learning are incorporated into social media platforms to help you receive personalized experiences. It’s no secret that Facebook and Instagram keep tabs on your activity, including the time spent on various types of material and your comments and likes. By learning from your actions, the system can customize pages and friend suggestions for you. Also, it displays ads based on your browsing. And much more is done with the data collected 🙂

Image recognition: This complex technology is appearing in a wide range of fields. You’ve probably seen this while uploading a photo to your favorite social media platform. The platform recognizes people who are tagged in images. It can also be used to identify potential threats or criminals, unlock phones and mobile devices, and locate missing people.

Virtual assistants: Virtual personal assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Now are all popular choices. These voice-activated devices can do everything from searching for flights to checking your schedule to setting alarms and playing your favorite music, among other things. These smart devices and speakers rely heavily on machine learning. This device collects and refines the information you provide each time you interact with it. The machine can then use that information to provide you with results that are most relevant to your preferences.

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Product recommendations: A common application of machine learning in E-commerce websites is product recommendations. Based on your search, previous purchases, and shopping cart, it will make suggestions and recommendations about products.

Benefits of machine learning

Automation of repetitive tasks: Machine learning can automate repetitive tasks which otherwise can be time-consuming and difficult for humans to perform.

Improved decision-making: Machine learning models can analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that humans may miss, resulting in better decision-making.

Personalization: Personalized experiences, such as personalized product recommendations, can be created using machine learning.

Predictive maintenance: Machine learning can be used to predict when equipment is likely to fail, allowing for the scheduling of preventative maintenance.

Machine learning can be used to detect fraudulent activity, such as credit card or insurance fraud.

Future of machine learning

Processing large data: Using data science, a very large amount of data is processed and generated that is accessed by various organizations around the world. Due to large and complex data, it becomes difficult to handle such data using conventional tools and hence machine learning can be used to generate, store, retrieve and process the data.

Operations 24*7: ML can be used to focus on routine, repetitive tasks like monitoring, testing repetitive applications, and managing data. 

Continuous Improvement and Learning: Most ML programs are developed to improve performance by interacting with more data. Recommendation engines that are used on Amazon, and Youtube are continuously improving.

Frequent Asked Question: Machine learning

Q. Where machine learning is used?

ML is used in many day-to-day operations like search engines, websites recommending products based on your search pattern, and social media apps.

Q. Is Netflix an example of Machine learning?

Yes, Netflix uses machine learning along with artificial intelligence.

Q. Is youtube an example of Machine learning

Yes, machine learning and artificial intelligence are used in youtube to provide its user better user experience.

Q. Which is the best language for machine learning?

Python is considered the best language for machine learning.

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