Python All-in-One For Dummies, 2nd Edition

Chapter 2

Building a Neural Network

IN THIS CHAPTER

Understanding the basics of neural networks

Creating your first neural network

Building a neural network in Python

Neural networks and various other models of how the brain operates have been around as long as people have been talking about AI. Dr. Marvin Minsky, introduced in Chapter 1 of this minibook, started mainline interest in modeling neurons with his seminal work with perceptrons in 1969. At the time, widespread irrational exuberance about how the perceptron was going to quickly make AI practical attracted a good deal of venture capital to the area. But when many of these ventures failed, investment in neural networks dried up. What’s popular, sells.

Fast-forward 37 years from John’s conversation with Dr. Minsky in 1983. Today we see renewed interest in neural networks. Better models have been built, but more importantly, we now have useful and economical applications based on neural networks. Will the current market situation lead to another bubble? Most assuredly, but this time the interest in AI should continue because of the application areas that have been developed.

This chapter introduces you to the concept of neural ...