Introduction to Machine Learning

The chapter briefly introduces machine learning, its definition, workflow steps, jargon, and distinction from closely related fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, and deep learning. Then, the historical development of machine learning is presented in a chronological table. Thereafter, the motivation, purpose, and importance of machine learning are described in the light of some real-life examples. After that, the prerequisite knowledge to learning machine learning is explored in sufficient detail with references to other standard texts for learning them. This chapter also introduces Python, Visual Studio Code, and Anaconda, along with their installation and setup processes. Lastly, in order to help readers relate to machine learning in their practical lives, the most common applications of machine learning, especially in the engineering domain, are enlisted in this chapter. By the end of this chapter, the readers will be familiar with the basics to delve into machine learning applications.