Lesson 1: Introduction to AI and ML

What is AI?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans. AI systems can perform tasks such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation.

What is Machine Learning?

Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI that focuses on building systems that can learn from and make decisions based on data. Unlike traditional programming, where explicit instructions are given, ML algorithms identify patterns and make predictions or decisions based on the data they are trained on.

Types of Machine Learning

1. Supervised Learning: The algorithm learns from labeled data. For example, predicting house prices based on historical data.
2. Unsupervised Learning: The algorithm learns from unlabeled data, finding hidden patterns or intrinsic structures in the input data. For example, customer segmentation.
3. Reinforcement Learning: The algorithm learns by interacting with an environment, receiving rewards or penalties based on its actions. For example, training a robot to walk.

Key Terminologies

• Model: A mathematical representation of a real-world process. In ML, it is created by training an algorithm on data.
• Algorithm: A set of rules or steps used to solve a problem. In ML, algorithms are used to learn from data and make predictions.
• Training: The process of teaching an algorithm to make predictions by feeding it data.
• Feature: An individual measurable property or characteristic of a phenomenon being observed.
• Label: The output or target variable that the model is trying to predict.

Hands-On: Python Setup and Basics

Before we dive into the technical details, let’s ensure you have a working Python environment.

1. Install Python: Download and install Python from python.org.
2. Install Anaconda: Anaconda is a popular distribution that includes Python and many useful packages for data science. Download it from anaconda.com.

Python Basics

Let’s start with some basic Python code. Open a Python interpreter or Jupyter Notebook and try the following:

# Basic Arithmetic
a = 5
b = 3
print(a + b)  # Addition
print(a - b)  # Subtraction
print(a * b)  # Multiplication
print(a / b)  # Division

# Lists
my_list = [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
print(my_list)
print(my_list[0])  # First element

# Dictionaries
my_dict = {'name': 'Alice', 'age': 25}
print(my_dict)
print(my_dict['name'])

# Loops
for i in range(5):
    print(i)

# Functions
def greet(name):
    return f"Hello, {name}!"

print(greet("Alice"))

Homework

1. Install Python and Anaconda: Ensure your development environment is set up.
2. Practice Basic Python: Write simple programs to familiarize yourself with Python syntax and operations.

In the next lesson, we will dive deeper into Python libraries essential for machine learning. Feel free to ask questions or request clarifications on any of the topics covered.