How can I effectively go from beginner to intermediate in machine learning?

A great way to level up is by reading the scikit-learn user guide. It’s full of examples, tips, and detailed explanations of methods, including lesser-known ones like Gaussian processes and kernel ridge regression. Taking notes, watching videos, and learning more about these methods as you go will make the process even better.

Starting with Chapter 6 might be helpful, but having some prior knowledge equivalent to an introductory ML course is recommended. After finishing the scikit-learn guide, you could also explore the statsmodels guide, especially the time series analysis (TSA) API, though it’s a bit more challenging.

While reading, try to implement the examples in a project folder. Set up a virtual environment and experiment with the methods. Change parameters and see how the results differ. Hands-on practice is where the real learning happens.

@Zeek
Practice makes perfect! This approach is like the path to Carnegie Hall: repetition and practice.

The scikit-learn guide is one of the best free resources for an intermediate-level overview of ML techniques. It covers a lot of ground in an accessible way, something many bigger organizations struggle to do.

To move from intermediate to advanced, try reading the source code for the scikit-learn methods. It’s a deep dive but invaluable for understanding the complexity of ML implementations.

Any similar resources for NLP or deep learning?

Graydon said:
Any similar resources for NLP or deep learning?

Check out the FastAI course and the Hugging Face NLP course. They provide excellent foundational knowledge and practical experience.

How long does it typically take to go through the scikit-learn guide?

Ridge said:
How long does it typically take to go through the scikit-learn guide?

It depends on your background. If you’re familiar with most methods, it might take a few days. For beginners, it could take weeks, especially if you’re exploring the math in detail.

I wish I had the math background to follow along. Any good self-study resources for math?

Dru said:
I wish I had the math background to follow along. Any good self-study resources for math?

Khan Academy is a fantastic resource for learning math, especially if you’re starting from scratch.