★★★★★ 5
Thorough Primer for Machine Learning and PyTorch
Format: Paperback
BLUF: A thorough primer for machine learning enthusiasts with plenty of theory to underscore its many practical examples. A definite must-have for anyone looking to add PyTorch to their machine learning tool belt.
PROS:
- Extremely thorough (if not comprehensive). I really appreciate that this book doesn't just thrust one into building models with PyTorch. It starts at the "beginning" and provides examples, theory, additional resources, and citations along the way.
- Theory. Those whose calculus and linear algebra courses ended many years ago will appreciate (if not remember exactly) the mathematical theory and notation that accompanies almost every paragraph. This book gives one the opportunity to "dig deeper" or stay in the shallows until the notation stops.
- Python. Rather than simply utilizing Scikit-Learn to illustrate concepts and introduce models, this book contains many sections where models (such as a Perceptron) are coded from the ground up so the reader can fully understand the underlying mechanics. Python enthusiasts will nerd out. Parents of small children might want to skip a few pages.
- Graphs, charts, and graphics. There are plenty of places where a drier text might have foregone the use of graphs. This text does not. It does however refrain from overusing them.
- PyTorch. This should be obvious from the title, but this text prioritizes PyTorch instead of TensorFlow. This is especially helpful for those looking for an alternative to Keras and TensorFlow as the PyTorch API is very user-friendly.
CONS:
- Almost too much code. This isn't a true "con" but anyone wanting to emulate or follow along with the examples would do well to get the digital edition so they can copy and paste.
- Length and complexity. Anyone hoping for a "quick read" or a "quick start guide" will be disappointed. This book hovers somewhere between an undergraduate primer and a graduate-level text for length and readability. This is not to say that it's difficult to read, merely that there are other "quick start" / "practical" texts out there that cater more to a lay audience.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2022
