Machine Learning For Dummies

Chapter 6

Installing a Python Distribution

IN THIS CHAPTER

Determining which Python distribution to use for machine learning

Performing a Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows installation

Obtaining the datasets and example code

Before you can do too much with Python or use it to solve machine learning problems, you need a workable installation. In addition, you need access to the datasets and code used for this book. Downloading the sample code (found at www.dummies.com/extras/machinelearning) and installing it on your system is the best way to get a good learning experience from the book. This chapter helps you get your system set up so that you can easily follow the examples in the remainder of the book.

Using the downloadable source code doesn’t prevent you from typing the examples on your own, following them using a debugger, expanding them, or working with the code in all sorts of ways. The downloadable source code is there to help you get a good start with your machine learning and Python learning experience. After you see how the code works when it’s correctly typed and configured, you can try to create the examples on your own. If you make a mistake, you can compare what you’ve typed with the downloadable source code and discover precisely where the error exists. You can find the downloadable source for this chapter in the ML4D; 06; Sample.ipynb and ML4D; 06; Dataset Load.ipynb ...