Classification vs Regression
Classification and Regression are two major prediction problems which are usually dealt with Data mining and machine learning.
Classification is the process of finding or discovering a model or function which helps in separating the data into multiple categorical classes i.e. discrete values. In classification, data is categorized under different labels according to some parameters given in input and then the labels are predicted for the data.
The derived mapping function could be demonstrated in the form of “IF-THEN” rules. The classification process deal with the problems where the data can be divided into binary or multiple discrete labels.
Let’s take an example, suppose we want to predict the possibility of the wining of match by Team A on the basis of some parameters recorded earlier. Then there would be two labels Yes and No.
Fig : Binary Classification and Multiclass Classification
Regression is the process of finding a model or function for distinguishing the data into continuous real values instead of using classes or discrete values. It can also identify the distribution movement depending on the historical data. Because a regression predictive model predicts a quantity, therefore, the skill of the model must be reported as an error in those predictions
Let’s take a similar example in regression also, where we are finding the possibility of rain in some particular regions with the help of some parameters recorded earlier. Then there is a probability associated with the rain.
Fig : Regression of Day vs Rainfall (in mm)
Comparison between Clasification and Regression:
| PARAMENTER | CLASSIFICATION | REGRESSION |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Mapping Function is used for mapping of values to predefined classes. | Mapping Function is used for mapping of values to continuous output. |
| Involves prediction of | Discrete values | Continuous values |
| Nature of the predicted data | Unordered | Ordered |
| Method of calculation | by measuring accuracy | by measurement of root mean square error |
| Example Algorithms | Decision tree, logistic regression, etc. | Regression tree (Random forest), Linear regression, etc. |
Python Example for Beginners
Two Machine Learning Fields
There are two sides to machine learning:
- Practical Machine Learning:This is about querying databases, cleaning data, writing scripts to transform data and gluing algorithm and libraries together and writing custom code to squeeze reliable answers from data to satisfy difficult and ill defined questions. It’s the mess of reality.
- Theoretical Machine Learning: This is about math and abstraction and idealized scenarios and limits and beauty and informing what is possible. It is a whole lot neater and cleaner and removed from the mess of reality.
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