I’m a tad suspicious about listening to books that are too deep in the weeds with code. If they’re about programming concepts, audiobooks can be suitable, but if they involve code like this one, I like to have a physical picture of the lines of code. However, I was pleasantly surprised that this book conveyed many ideas despite communicating code aurally, too. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are huge topics today. I read this book just to supplement my broader knowledge, but while reading, I found a few applications that relate directly to my work. I’m going to try out TensorFlow, the software demoed here, in my work this week. I can see where it might be a lot more effective for my users than calling remote, server-based services from OpenAI.
This book features the Python-based TensorFlow as the main framework. It shows how to use it to build your own large-language model (LLM). When I started this book, I didn’t realize that it’d also demonstrate how to use TensorFlow in web situations, which is my main domain. TensorFlowJS can use an LLM built in Python to perform features in a website. This book also describes how an API can house AI/ML models from TensorFlow. Mobile devices and embedded systems like Raspberry Pi receive their own chapter, too, due to their limited processing capabilities.
Honestly, I did not have super-high expectations when I read this book. I just wanted to fill in my AI knowledge from a programmer’s perspective. I did not expect to apply the knowledge directly. Instead, I found my mind engaged with new ways to think about AI – even from a non-programmer’s perspective. I’m now able to better explain how to maximize AI use to my non-IT, scientific team. And I’m really chomping at the bit to see whether TensorFlowJS can meet the needs of my latest project. It’s a total joy when a book surprises with its intellectual depth and applicability. This book did both in spades, and I’m glad I listened to it!
AI and Machine Learning for Coders: A Programmer’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence
By Laurence Moroney
Narrated by Timothy Howard Jackson
Copyright (c) 2023
Ascent Audio
ASIN B0BSMSV1NL
Length: 9:17
Genre: Computer Science
www.amazon.com