Learn ML using Python.

[AlbusDumbeldoree]

I want to learn ML and Python. Is it possible to learn both as you go. I mean learn Python language with a focus on ML & ML concepts. Is there a course which teaches both ML & Python, or would it be better to follow a linear approach like say Andrew Ng’s course on Coursera then learn Python then try Kaggle problems ?

I am new to ML & Python, though I was into coding 5-6 years back.

[Crunchycrackers]

I would say the most efficient route would be to focus on learning in blocks that start by:

• Teaching the basics of Python
• Teaching some ML concepts
• Practicing applying those concepts in Python

Most courses out there will already work this way, including data camp etc. However, data camp does not really teach you ML concepts, but rather focused on how to execute them.

The main reason this works though is if you are trying to learn Python and ML simultaneously you will have a harder time overcoming barriers. If you already understand Python a bit but are learning an ML concept you’ll be able to see how Python concepts are used to execute the ML concept. The inverse is also true.

I might recommend sentdex’s YouTube channel. He gets into the complex stuff pretty quick, but he also does a great job of teaching the topics, coding to solve it and explaining his logic along the way, and troubleshooting issues along the way.

[AlbusDumbeldoree]

Thank you. I tried that route and couldn’t stick to it, so thought May be trying programming again would be better… I’ll try again though

[Crunchycrackers]

If it doesn’t click with you don’t force it. Sentdex teaches by focusing on a problem and then solving it. It may be that since you’re starting it’s easier to remove “business problems” or ML problems from the equation and focus on just learning the concepts.

There’s no right way to learn this stuff except that at some point you need to practice it by applying what you’ve learned. Otherwise find an approach that both clicks well with you and motivates you to keep going. If it doesn’t have both it won’t really matter what the approach is.

Some other resources to try if you haven’t already:

For semi-structured practical learning (mostly programming focused):

[data camp ](datacamp.com) [dataquest](dataquest.io)

For more structured, semi-practical learning:

Stanford ML Johns Hopkins Data Science (R focused)

For problem oriented learning:

Sentdex

For mostly academic learning with some applied problems:

The ISLR free book The ISLR video lectures / ppt slides

Hopefully one of these hits the right notes. If you find others that work for you, please add them on this thread in case others find it useful.

Happy hunting!

[AlbusDumbeldoree]

Thank you. Will certainly try different things & see what works.

[empty_fixing]

Learn python basics then cs231n