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Maureen Mukami
Maureen Mukami

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A Simple Guide to Classification in Machine Learning

Supervised learning is a machine learning approach where models are trained with labeled data. The data is split into training sets which teach the model and testing sets which check accuracy of the model. The goal is for predictions to match the true outcomes as closely as possible.
How Classification Works
Classification works by teaching a model how to recognize patterns using examples that already have answers. Classification deals with discrete data, assigning items to specific categories. It can be into three types: Binary classification where data belongs to one of two classes, such as “pass or fail” or “true or false.” Multiclass classification where data can fall into one class among many, for example identifying different species of plants. Multilabel classification where data can belong to multiple classes at once, such as classifying a movie as both “comedy” and “romance” (romcom).
Different models which are different algorithms or techniques that are applied to sort data into categories (classes) include:
Logistic Regression It predicts probabilities using a sigmoid function.
Support Vector Machines(SVMs) which find the best boundary between classes.
Decision Trees which split data into branches for decisions.
Random Forests which combine multiple trees for better accuracy.
Naive Bayes which uses probability with independence assumptions.
KNN which classifies based on nearest neighbors.
Neural Networks which use layers of neurons to learn complex patterns.

From my perspective, classification makes handling large datasets easier by grouping and labeling information in meaningful ways. This allows people to analyze patterns more effectively and make smart, data-driven decisions. What excites me most is the impact of classification in real life. For example, advanced systems can help detect diseases early in healthcare, or spot fraudulent transactions in banking, which protects people’s money. Classification also powers personalization—recommendation systems suggest movies, music, and products that match individual preferences, creating unique user experiences. I also see classification as an assistant for decision-making. Instead of replacing human judgment, it supports people by providing fast, evidence-based insights. That combination of speed and accuracy is transformative across industries.

While I’ve struggled to fully grasp some algorithms at first, constant practice with Python has made concepts clearer. I’m also learning that success is not only about knowing algorithms but also about choosing the right one for the right problem.

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