This book will help you master the processes, patterns, and strategies you need to build effective learning systems, even if you're an absolute beginner. It begins by discussing machine learning and what it can do; introducing key mathematical and computational topics in an approachable manner; and walking you through the first steps in building, training, and evaluating learning systems. Step by step, youll fill out the components of a practical learning system, broaden your toolbox, and explore some of the fields most sophisticated and exciting techniques. Whether you're a student, analyst, scientist, or hobbyist, this will be applicable to every learning system you ever build or use.