What are the various aspects of a Machine Learning process?

Here we will discuss the components involved in solving a problem using machine learning.

1. Domain knowledge
This is the first step wherein we need to understand how to extract the various features from the data and learn more about the data that we are dealing with. It has got more to do with the type of domain that we are dealing with and familiarizing the system to learn more about it.

2. Feature Selection
This step has got more to do with the feature that we are selecting from the set of features that we have.
Sometimes it happens that there are a lot of features and we have to make an intelligent decision regarding
the type of feature that we want to select to go ahead with our machine learning endeavor.

3. Algorithm
This is a vital step since the algorithms that we choose will have a very major impact on the entire process
of machine learning. You can choose between the linear and nonlinear algorithms. Some of the algorithms
used are Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees, Naïve Bayes, K-Means Clustering, etc.

4. Training
This is the most important part of the machine learning technique and this is where it differs from traditional programming. The training is done based on the data that we have and providing more real-world experiences. With each consequent training step, the machine gets better and smarter and able to
take improved decisions.

5. Evaluation
In this step, we actually evaluate the decisions taken by the machine to decide whether it is up to
the mark or not. Various metrics are involved in this process and we have to closed deploy
each of these to decide on the efficacy of the whole machine learning endeavor.

6. Optimization
This process involves improving the performance of the machine learning process using various optimization techniques. Optimization of machine learning is one of the most vital components wherein the performance of the algorithm is vastly improved. The best part of optimization techniques is that machine learning is not just a consumer of optimization techniques but it also provides new ideas for optimization too.

7. Testing
Here various tests are carried out and some of these are unseen sets of test cases. The data is partitioned into test and training set. There are various testing techniques like cross-validation to deal with multiple situations.