Pig Design Patterns

The classification pattern

This design pattern explores the implementation of classification using Pig and Mahout.

Background

Classification is one of the core concepts of predictive analytics; it is a technique in which data is labeled into categories or groups according to its characteristics. Classification is a simplified way to make decisions based on the data and its attributes. For example, in a survey questionnaire, we choose an appropriate answer or select a particular check box for a given question. Here, we are making a decision from a finite group of choices (check boxes or answers) provided to us. Sometimes, the number of choices can be as small as two (yes/no). In these cases, classification uses specific information on the input data ...