What you should know before you start studying artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence
AI is a field that draws more excitement and interest every year. But before you start studying it, there are a few key things worth knowing that will make the road easier.
Programming fundamentals
Start with Python. To get anywhere in AI you need a grasp of programming fundamentals. Python is one of the most popular languages in the field thanks to how approachable and readable it is, and to its enormous set of libraries and tools built specifically for AI work.
The maths behind AI
Why does it matter so much? A knowledge of mathematics — statistics, linear algebra and calculus in particular — plays a central role in designing and understanding AI algorithms. Studying these disciplines properly gives you a firm footing for the harder concepts later on.
Machine learning fundamentals
How does AI take in information? Machine learning is the heart of AI, and it is what lets computers learn and make predictions. Getting to grips with its principles and techniques is a crucial step towards building algorithms that can analyse data and find patterns in it.
Hands-on experience
Theory is the foundation, but practice is where you apply it to real problems and learn from your mistakes. Working on projects and taking part in hackathons teaches you how AI is actually used to solve real tasks.
The ethics of artificial intelligence
The developer's responsibility. Ethical questions in AI grow more pressing every year. Building fair, unbiased systems is an important part of the job. While you are still learning, it matters that you understand the ethical consequences of the technology and aim to build AI more responsibly.
In closing
Artificial intelligence is not only the technology of the future — it is very much the technology of the present. Studying it can look daunting, but with the right preparation and enough practice anyone can get there.
