Machine learning vs deep learning is a constant debate that often resurfaces. This article will be debunking all the principal differences between the two.
The idea behind artificial intelligence became a topic of curiosity after the 1927 movie “Metropolis”. Since then humans have been fascinated with creating artificial sentient beings that are capable of performing human operations.
Is it possible to fulfill this fascination? Well, topics like artificial general intelligence are hypothetical as of now. However, we have been able to create computer systems that are capable of automating a multitude of tasks and use cases across industries. These computer systems are backed by AI technologies such as machine learning and deep learning.
Both machine learning and deep learning are so popular that every decent app utilizes them to provide better customer service and customizable products. However, these two technologies are so intertwined that either people confuse them with each other or end up comparing them. Therefore, machine learning vs deep learning has always been an ongoing topic. However, today with this article, we will not only dehaze this confusion but also compare them to give you a better idea.
Therefore without wasting any time, let’s start with our machine learning vs deep learning topic.
Note: Learn more on the topic “What is Artificial Intelligence?”
Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence. It allows a computer system to learn from identifying patterns and historical data to make predictions and provide outcomes with little human manual intervention.Machine learning, with the support of powerful bare metal server infrastructure, allows a computer system to learn from identifying patterns and historical data to make predictions and provide outcomes with little human manual intervention, enabling businesses to unlock the full potential of data-driven decision-making.
Some of the real-world examples of machine learning are:
Unlike the majority of technologies that rely on electronic logic gates to perform functions, AI technologies perform operations using AI algorithms. This is especially the case with self-learning technologies such as machine learning and deep learning. So to understand the difference between deep learning vs machine learning, it is important to understand the self-learning mechanism of these AI technologies.
In this model, the AI model is explicitly trained by providing labeled data as inputs and labeled data as desired outputs. Upon multiple iterations, the AI model learns to perform that function automatically with different datasets with limited human intervention.
For instance, a mother teaching her kid to eat rice with a spoon. Upon helping the kid explicitly to eat using a spoon, the kid starts to do the task by himself/herself. Therefore every time a kid is served rice, he will start eating it using a spoon.
Below are some of the algorithms that help in supervised learning:
In this type of learning, a small chunk of data that is provided is labeled while the remaining data is unlabeled. This helps the model to identify patterns in the data provided and base out predictions. For this initially, the model is fed with labeled data to learn the operation with the correct output. However, later on fed with huge amounts of unlabeled data to help it learn automatically and perform operations.
For instance, a teacher teaches a kid basic addition functions for the first few times and later on asks him/her to do it by himself/herself. This provides the capacity for the kid to explore the mathematical function and learn to apply the concept.
Some of the algorithms used in semi-supervised learning are:
In this machine learning-based AI model, the model is provided with unlabeled data and asked to perform function upon the dataset by itself. It helps the AI model determine patterns and differences & similarities between unlabeled data by itself. It is a self-learning training model if we say it in simple language.
Common algorithms used for unsupervised learning are:
Another important aspect of understanding the difference between deep learning and machine learning is to understand how they are created.
There are several steps for creating a machine-learning model. These are:
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning. It is based on the concept of neural networks that mimics the human brain with multiple connected neurons that give us the capability to think. In deep learning, the number of layers used to create the model is more than three.
The difference between deep learning vs machine learning is imminent considering how differently both technologies are trained. Below are some of the algorithms that are used for training deep learning models.
This algorithm is primarily used for identifying images and seeking out patterns for computer vision. It takes input images and assigns importance to identify patterns in different images. This process is known as convolution. The convolutional model is primarily inspired by the human eye which detects patterns and sends signals to the brain for identifying objects.
Different applications of the convolutional model are:
Some of the most common CNN architectures available are:
A recurrent neural network is a loop of interconnected nodes that can affect its subsequent nodes to a certain degree. This allows it to have a temporary dynamic behavior. Compare it to certain situations that form our behavior in different situations. This capability of the recurrent neural network makes it capable of processing unsegmented data, handwritten documents, and speech recognition.
As mentioned earlier, a deep learning model works on the principle of the human brain. This means that it continuously assesses data to gather insights and add them to the model. To perform this assessment, deep learning algorithms use a layered structure that is known as artificial neural networks. This acts like an interconnected network of neurons that gathers and stores information, and makes insights from it.
Real-life example of Deep Learning…
There are several examples out there that display the efficacy of deep learning as a technology. For instance, virtual assistants like SIRI, Cortana, Google Assistant, etc. These virtual assistants have been in development for years and have been gathering data from their users since their inception. They have not only helped them evolve but reach substantial autonomy in terms of development for its users.
In the beginning, the majority of these virtual assistants were not very well-versed in understanding even English correctly. However, with time, these virtual assistants are capable of understanding different dialects as well as languages. These virtual assistants offer a variety of functions that one can perform such as:
Another example of Deep Learning would be AlphaGO. It is a program that uses deep learning in order to play the board game GO. AlphaGo is backed by DeepMind Technologies. AlphaGo was able to defeat Lee Sedol, a professional Go player in a game of 5 matches. In this, the system won 4 matches consecutively by resignation. This was a historical battle after the challenge between IBM’s Deep Blue and Gary Kasparov.
Despite the fact that both of these AI technologies seem similar, there are stark differences leading to the argument of ML vs DL. Therefore, let’s start to learn the differences between the two technologies.
Note: Curious about the different types of AI? Here’s an article for you!
Machine learning is the subset of Artificial Intelligence. However, deep learning is a subset of machine learning. An AI model which has more than 3 layers is considered a deep learning model. It would be safe to say that deep learning is a complex version of machine learning.
Adding to it both machine learning and deep learning are similar technologies. However, deep learning provides many superior functionalities. For instance, machine learning can be trained to respond to commands such as “Turn on the Light”, “Turn the fan On”, etc. However, a deep learning model is much smarter because it has the capability to understand intent (to a certain degree). For instance, a deep learning model will overtime be able to respond to phrases like “Light up the room”, “It‘s too hot”, etc. It is because it is continuously growing.
Another huge difference between machine learning and deep learning is the size of the dataset upon which they both are trained. Machine learning models are trained over considerably small sizes of datasets. The reason behind this is the number of layers in a machine-learning model is limited.
Adding to it, deep learning is equivalent to a human mind which is capable of understanding commands and instances from a much wider range of phrases. This makes the amount of data required to train a deep-learning model considerably larger.
Machine learning models are primarily trained using labeled data. This means that there are chances of errors and mistakes that can skew the output of the final model. This, thereby, requires manual intervention at every step of the way.
On the other hand, deep learning models are much denser and have the capability to learn from unlabeled data. It continuously evolves using trial-n-error. Therefore, it seldom requires manual intervention to mend its issues.
Another difference between deep learning and machine learning model is the time of training. Machine learning models require substantially less amount of time to train in comparison to deep learning. It is because of the following reasons:
If we start comparing deep learning vs machine learning in terms of time then a simple machine learning model can be trained within a few hours. On the other hand, it could take from weeks to months in order to train a deep-learning model.
If we compare the difference between machine learning and deep learning over this facet then the winner here is deep learning. This is especially the case with complex tasks as deep learning models comprise many complex patterns in terms of training. On the other hand, machine learning models can be much more accurate with easier tasks.
Below are the factors based on which the accuracy of a model depends. These are:
Below are some examples of operations where deep learning algorithms are more accurate than machine learning models. These are:
Correlation is the association between two or more variables (input data) in an AI model. It is a statistical technique that is used to determine how changes in one variable leads to changes in others. For machine learning, usually, linear correlation is required. On the other hand, deep learning requires non-linear correlation which is much more complex.
Types of correlation required for machine learning are:
Types of correlation required for deep learning are:
The hardware requirements for machine learning and deep learning are very different. For instance, a machine learning model can be trained using a laptop or desktop. On the other hand, in order to create a deep learning model, we require powerful hardware such as GPU or TPU (tensor processing units).
Adding to it, the hardware requirement for machine learning and deep learning depends on the goal and the quality of the dataset being used.
Below is a table that can help you understand the hardware requirements of machine learning vs deep learning:
| Machine Learning | Deep Learning | |
| CPU | Multiple cores recommended | High clock speed |
| GPU | Normal GPU can work | High number of cores |
| RAM | 16 GB recommended | 32 GB recommended |
| Storage | Works well with both hard drive and SSD | SSD Recommended |
To conclude this article “Machine Learning vs Deep Learning”, we would say that deep learning is an advanced version of machine learning. The utilization of these technologies depends on the density or inclusion of AI required for a particular use case. Artificial intelligence companies are well aware of the difference between ML vs DL. However, as an aspiring practitioner of the tech or an entrepreneur, it is important to understand the difference.
With this article, we hope we may have catered to your curiosity and provided you with an understanding to leverage these technologies effectively.
Aparna is a growth specialist with handsful knowledge in business development. She values marketing as key a driver for sales, keeping up with the latest in the Mobile App industry. Her getting things done attitude makes her a magnet for the trickiest of tasks. In free times, which are few and far between, you can catch up with her at a game of Fussball.
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