What is Deep Learning?
Deep Learning is a subset of machine learning that uses ar ficial neural networks with many layers
(hence “deep”) to model complex pa erns in data.
While tradi onal machine learning models o en rely on handcra ed features, deep learning models
can automa cally learn representa ons from raw data, like pixels in an image or words in text.
Key Concepts in Deep Learning
Neural Networks:
Inspired by the structure of the human brain, these consist of layers of interconnected nodes
(neurons).
Layers:
o Input Layer: Takes the raw data (e.g., image pixels).
o Hidden Layers: Perform transforma ons and feature extrac on.
o Output Layer: Produces the final predic on (e.g., class probabili es).
Weights and Biases:
Parameters the network learns during training to make accurate predic ons.
Ac va on Func ons:
Introduce non-linearity so networks can learn complex pa erns. Examples include ReLU,
sigmoid, and tanh.
Why “Deep”?
The term “deep” comes from having mul ple hidden layers. Earlier neural networks had only 1-2
hidden layers, but deep learning uses networks with dozens or even hundreds of layers.
These deeper networks can model very complex rela onships, enabling breakthroughs in many
fields.
Popular Types of Deep Neural Networks
1. Feedforward Neural Networks (FNN):
The simplest kind, where data moves in one direc on from input to output.
2. Convolu onal Neural Networks (CNNs):
Designed for image and video processing. CNNs use convolu onal layers to detect pa erns
like edges, textures, and shapes.
3. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs):
Specialized for sequen al data like text, speech, or me series. They have “memory” that
captures informa on from previous inputs.
4. Transformers:
A newer architecture, especially dominant in natural language processing (like GPT models).
They handle long-range dependencies be er than RNNs.
How Deep Learning Works
1. Forward Pass:
Input data passes through layers, producing output predic ons.
2. Loss Calcula on:
Compare the output to the true label using a loss func on.
3. Backward Pass (Backpropaga on):
Calculate gradients of the loss with respect to weights.
4. Op miza on:
Update the weights to minimize the loss using algorithms like Stochas c Gradient Descent
(SGD) or Adam.
5. Repeat:
This process is repeated many mes (epochs) on the training data.
Applica ons of Deep Learning
Computer Vision:
Object detec on, facial recogni on, medical image analysis.
Natural Language Processing (NLP):
Language transla on, text genera on, chatbots.
Speech Recogni on:
Virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa.
Autonomous Vehicles:
Self-driving cars use deep learning for environment percep on.
Tools and Frameworks
TensorFlow (Google)
PyTorch (Facebook)
Keras (high-level API for TensorFlow)
MXNet, Caffe, Theano (older or less common now)
Challenges in Deep Learning
Requires large amounts of data and computa onal power.
Can be hard to interpret (black box models).
Risk of overfi ng without proper regulariza on.
Training deep networks can be me-consuming.
