> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gitbook.nicacton.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gitbook.nicacton.com/software-engineering/machine-learning.md).

# Machine Learning

[This video from Google I/O 2019 is an excellent 100 foot overview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwVg9jCtqaU)

## What is Machine Learning?

In **Traditional Programming** you **write** **rules and use data to provide answers**: *If the fingers in a hand are in a V shape, then that is scissors.*

In **Machine Learning** you **use answers and data to help a machine learn the rules**: *Hello machine, see this collection of images of hands? These are all "scissors" and any future images that share characteristics like these are also "scissors."*

### Phases

Machine Learning typically has two phases, which sometimes occur consistently with feedback.

#### Training Phase

Answers and Data are fed into the machine to infer the rules. This machine is now a **model**!

#### Inference Phase

The model will now make **predictions** from new data (with confidence).