Tutorial: Using Google Colab for Python Machine Learning
Introduction to Google Colab
- Google Colab (Colaboratory) is a cloud-based Jupyter notebook environment provided by Google.
- It allows users to write and execute Python code in a web-based interface.
- It provides free access to GPUs and TPUs for running machine learning models.
Getting Started with Colab
- 1. Open Google Colab: https://colab.research.google.com/
- 2. Click on 'File' > 'New Notebook' to create a new notebook.
- 3. Save your notebook in Google Drive for easy access.
Working with Code in Colab
- Colab supports Python code execution in cells.
- To add a new cell, click '+ Code' or use the shortcut Shift + Enter.
- Markdown cells allow you to add formatted text and explanations.
Importing Libraries and Datasets
- You can install libraries using '!pip install package_name'.
- Upload files manually using 'Files' tab or programmatically with 'from google.colab import files'.
- Mount Google Drive with 'from google.colab import drive; drive.mount('/content/drive')'.
Executing Machine Learning Models
- Colab supports TensorFlow and PyTorch.
- Use 'import tensorflow as tf' for TensorFlow and 'import torch' for PyTorch.
- Train a simple model using scikit-learn or deep learning frameworks.
Utilizing GPU and TPU Acceleration
- Enable GPU: 'Runtime' > 'Change runtime type' > 'Hardware accelerator' > 'GPU'.
- Enable TPU: Select 'TPU' instead of 'GPU'.
- Check hardware availability using '!nvidia-smi'.
Saving and Exporting Work
- Save your work automatically to Google Drive.
- Export notebooks as .ipynb or .py using 'File' > 'Download'.
- Save results as CSV using pandas 'df.to_csv('filename.csv')'.