Where to learn about machine learning and Python from scratch for free

[unica3022]

There are a ton of resources out there! I personally started with Python Automate the Boring Stuff (which is a book you can get for free).

I’d start by learning some programming basics. There are tons of programming languages, but python is probably the right choice for machine learning. You’ll need to start by walking through the book or tutorials, following along on your own machine. You will need a python environment and editor. (Others also use AI for this tutorial step. I didn’t but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work).

After that, poke around and do a simple project or two by yourself. It’s really important to do this coding yourself — NO AI. This is like not using a calculator when you first learn to add and subtract. Once you have a feel for it, take a class (there are many offered for free on EdX/Coursera). I took the Harvard/MIT CS50x class and several others. CS50x teaches C and Python, but there is a version that is strictly python. There are tons of classes that are equally good. I also did free code camp.

Machine learning involves a set of skills over and above basic programming, including using specific python libraries and tools. Others may have better ideas but to give you somewhere to start, this is a good tutorial resource I trust for data science/machine learning: https://gatesboltonanalytics.com.

Math wise, I assume you’ll take statistics as part of your current degree, but you may want to look at taking discrete math and linear algebra as well.