Python & AI For Dummies

Unlock the combined power of Python and AI to supercharge your next technical project and your career

Python & AI For Dummies explores the exciting combo of two revolutionary technologies that are reshaping how we work, code, and solve problems. Authors John C. Shovic and Mary Everett draw on their extensive work in computer science, precision agriculture, and artificial intelligence to walk you through the intersection of Python programming and AI applications. No matter your professional background, learn how to use Python's versatility to unlock AI's transformative power.

This guide offers hands-on approaches to implementing AI with Python. It moves from foundational concepts to advanced applications, covering essential Python libraries: TensorFlow, PyTorch, OpenCV, and scikit-learn. It also explores essential AI concepts, like neural networks, machine learning models, and natural language processing.

Python & AI For Dummies is packed with hands-on projects and real-world examples, that explain how to build machine vision systems, create language models, implement reinforcement learning, and develop AI agents. Broken down into manageable, jargon-free lessons, explore topics from theoretical programming fundamentals to cutting-edge AI applications.

Inside the book:

• Grasp fundamental AI concepts including machine learning, neural networks, and deep learning architectures
• Explore eight essential Python libraries designed specifically for AI development and data manipulation
• Build practical projects, including machine vision systems, large language models, and AI agents
• Learn proven techniques for data preprocessing, model training, and avoiding common pitfalls like overfitting
• Gain insights into emerging technologies including generative AI, transformers, and the Model Context Protocol

A can’t-miss resource for programmers interested in expanding their AI skillset, professionals in finance or marketing who want to develop new capabilities, and small business owners ready to streamline their operations, Python & AI For Dummies offers step-by-step guidance, troubleshooting tips, and real-world applications in industries from manufacturing to agriculture.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Python and AI 5
CHAPTER 1: Starting with Python Basics 7
CHAPTER 2: Defining Fundamental AI Concepts 29
CHAPTER 3: Working with Data 41

Part 2: Fundamental Machine Learning Models 59
CHAPTER 4: Working with the scikit-learn Library 61
CHAPTER 5: The Plot Thickens: Regression Models 77
CHAPTER 6: Making Decisions with Trees 89
CHAPTER 7: Better Together: Boosting, Bagging, and Random Forests 103

Part 3: The Neural Network Family 119
CHAPTER 8: Meeting Your Brain: Neural Network Architectures 121
CHAPTER 9: The Not-So-Scary Math That Powers Neural Networks 137
CHAPTER 10: Training a Neural Network 159
CHAPTER 11: Identifying the Neural Network Family 181

Part 4: Machine Vision with OpenCV 197
CHAPTER 12: Introducing Machine Vision 199
CHAPTER 13: Getting Started with OpenCV 213
CHAPTER 14: Classifying Images with Convolutional Neural Networks 229
CHAPTER 15: Creating an Object Detector 241

Part 5: Advanced AI Models 265
CHAPTER 16: Large and in Charge: LLMs 267
CHAPTER 17: Generating Stuff with AI 283
CHAPTER 18: AI Agents: The Ghosts in Our Machines 307
CHAPTER 19: Improving Your Computer with Reinforcement Learning 323
CHAPTER 20: Nature Knows Best: Using Evolutionary Algorithms 339

Part 6: The Part of Tens 357
CHAPTER 21: Ten Steps for Developing an AI Project 359
CHAPTER 22: Ten Common AI Mistakes to Avoid 365

Appendix: Setting Up Your Development Environment 371
Index 379

John C. Shovic, PhD, is a computer science faculty member at the University of Idaho and Director of the Center for Intelligent Industrial Robotics. He co-authored Python All-in-One For Dummies.

Mary "Marz" Everett, PhD, is a research scientist at the University of Idaho focusing on AI, robotics, and precision agriculture.