In a nutshell, machine learning is a type of artificial intelligence whose algorithms, as they acquire data, produce analytical models and make predictions with little to no human intervention.

It's difficult to find an industry that doesn't use machine learning. For example, marketers use machine learning to forecast returns on investments in marketing campaigns. Likewise, purchasing departments use machine learning to predict needed inventory.

Businesses of all kinds use machine learning to predict customer behavior, map supply chains, and forecast revenues. Machine learning is used to predict health outcomes and to improve patient satisfaction. Machine learning helps scientists model climate change scenarios, including possible solutions.

More specifically, machine learning is used in smart devices, search engines, and streaming services (when Netflix suggests a show or movie based on your viewing history, that's machine learning).

Machine learning skills are valuable in programming, data science, and other computer engineering disciplines. In addition, machine learning is a must for anyone wanting to work in robotics!

Not all jobs that require machine learning are in tech though. For example, linguists use machine learning to track ever-changing languages and dialects. In addition, business departments, such as marketing, accounting, logistics, and purchasing, to name a few, increasingly need machine learning experts to help them make informed business decisions. Knowing machine learning can give you a step up in nearly any position, as modeling and predicting are critical business needs.

Yes, machine learning skills are in high demand. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, demand for AI and ML specialists is expected to grow by 40% between 2023 and 2027.

If you're looking to develop a high-level understanding of machine learning concepts, you don't need much math. If you want to dive deeper and make machine learning your career (as opposed to an added value to your existing career), a foundation in statistics and algebra is helpful. If you don't have a mathematical background, that's okay. We'll teach you everything you need, and our instructors are a lot less scary than your high school calculus teacher.

You do not need to download anything while learning with DataCamp. All the tools we use are web-based.