Getting Started with Deep Learning
Keras is the open-source, free-to-download framework used by the course examples.
Before the Examples
Before working through the deep-learning examples, check two software requirements: which framework the course uses and which operating-system environment you can access. The course examples use Keras, and the course expects access to a UNIX machine. This check prevents you from beginning the examples without first confirming that your environment matches the course expectations.
The essential starting point is an environment check: Keras is the framework used by the examples, and access to a UNIX machine is expected.
Choosing an Environment
The course recommends a UNIX environment because the course requires access to a UNIX machine. Windows is also possible, but it is not recommended. These are not equivalent recommendations: UNIX is the expected environment, while Windows is an available but discouraged alternative.
| Environment | Course status | What to remember |
|---|---|---|
| UNIX machine | Recommended | This is the environment the course expects you to access. |
| Windows | Possible but not recommended | It can be used, but it is not the preferred option for the course. |
The Course Framework
Keras is the open-source, free-to-download framework used by the course examples.
When the course introduces deep-learning code examples, Keras is the framework those examples use. Therefore, identifying Keras is part of checking whether you understand the software context of the course. The source describes Keras as open-source and free to download.
A Readiness Decision
Checking Before Starting
A learner is about to begin the deep-learning examples and wants to verify the course requirements first. What should the learner check?
Identify the framework: The course examples use Keras.
Identify the operating-system expectation: The course requires access to a UNIX machine.
Compare the available environment: A UNIX machine matches the recommended course environment. Windows is possible, but it is not recommended.
Find the setup instructions: Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
The learner should confirm Keras as the framework, check whether a UNIX machine is available, and consult Appendix A for complete setup instructions. If Windows is the available option, the learner should recognize that it is possible but not recommended.
This decision process is useful because it separates recognition from setup. First identify what the examples use and what environment the course expects. Then use the complete instructions in Appendix A to handle setup before working through the examples.
Mistakes to Avoid
Treating Windows as the recommended environment
The course says that Windows can be used but is not recommended.
Fix:
Record UNIX as the recommended environment and Windows as the possible but not recommended alternative.Forgetting which framework the examples use
Keras is the framework used by the course code examples.
Fix:
Identify Keras before starting the deep-learning examples.Checking only the framework and ignoring the operating system
The course has both a framework requirement and an operating-system expectation.
Fix:
Check for access to a UNIX machine as well as identifying Keras.Skipping the setup instructions
Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
Fix:
Use Appendix A when preparing the course environment.
Readiness Check
You are preparing to work through the course examples. Write a three-part readiness statement: name the framework, state the operating-system access the course requires, and classify Windows correctly.
Hints
- The framework is described as open-source and free to download.
- The required machine environment is UNIX.
- Windows is available as an option, but compare its status with the UNIX recommendation.
Starting Conditions
- Before beginning the deep-learning examples, confirm the framework and the operating-system environment rather than treating setup as an afterthought.
Key Takeaways
- Keras is the open-source, free-to-download framework used by the course examples.
- The course requires access to a UNIX machine.
- Windows is possible, but it is not recommended.
- Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
- Check both the framework and the operating-system environment before working through the examples.