Introduction to Machine Learning

Welcome! I am Josiah, and I will be your guide through this tutorial.

This is designed to be a crash course on Python. The aim is to get you up to speed with Python fast! ⚡

I will assume that you already know how to program in Java. Rather than discussing programming concepts from scratch, I will instead introduce you to Python by highlighting its differences to Java, whether it is the differences in their syntax or in their design philosophies. While many fundamental concepts are common between Python and Java, I will aim to highlight when you should not be thinking like a Java programmer when programming in Python.

I will assume that you already have a reasonable understanding of imperative programming (variables, loops, control flows, functions) as well as object-oriented programming concepts (classes, methods, object instances, inheritance, encapsulation) in Java.

I will not aim to tell you everything about Python, but instead give you just enough information to get you started exploring Python on your own, so that you will be able to work on the practical aspects of the Introduction to Machine Learning course. Most importantly, I will try to guide you on how to think in Python.

Also, please do not be alarmed by the number of pages in this tutorial. Each page is actually quite short. This is to keep you focussed! 🎯

Ok, let’s get started! 👨‍🏫