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Machine Learning Workflow

Updated May 04, 2023 ·

Overview​

In machine learning, having a clear workflow is key to getting good results. The order in which steps are done plays a big role.

The workflow starts with raw data, which is processed into features and labels.

  • Dataset preparation

    • Data is split into training, validation, and testing sets.
    • Each set serves a specific role in model development.
  • Model training & tuning

    • Training and validation sets refine the model.
    • Hyperparameters are adjusted for better accuracy.
  • Final evaluation

    • The testing dataset checks model performance.
    • The trained model predicts labels based on new data.

The process results in a trained model capable of generating predicted labels.

Sample Scenario​

New York City provides monthly apartment sales data, including square footage, neighborhood, year built, and sale price. The goal is to predict future sale prices, which makes this a supervised learning problem.

Step 1: Extract Features

  • Reformat data to highlight useful details.
  • Select key features like square footage and neighborhood.

Step 2: Split Dataset

  • Divide data into training and testing sets.
  • Use separate datasets for training and evaluation.

Step 3: Train Model

  • Feed training data into a machine learning model.
  • Choose a model like neural networks or regression.

Step 4: Evaluate

  • Test the model on unseen data.
  • Assess performance using metrics like accuracy or error rate.
  • If results are good, deploy the model.
  • Otherwise, adjust features or settings and retrain.

The Complete ML Workflow​

A clear workflow consists of steps that build on each other, taking the process from data collection to deploying a reliable model.

  1. Requirements Gathering
  2. Data Preparation
  3. Model Development
  4. Model Evaluation and Tuning
  5. Model Testing
  6. Model Deployment