Most estimators in Rubix ML must be trained before they can make predictions. Estimators that require training are called Learners and they implement the train() method among others. Training is the process of feeding data to the learner so that it can build an internal represenation (or model) of the problem space. For example, some models, such as the ones produced by K Nearest Neighbors, consider each sample to be the coordinates of a point in some high-dimensional Euclidean space. Neural network models, on the other hand, consider samples to be the inputs to a complex interconnected network of neurons and synapses. No matter how the learner works under the hood the training API is still the same.


use Rubix\ML\Classifiers\KNearestNeighbors;

// Import labeled training set

$estimator = new KNearestNeighbors(10);


Batch vs Online Learning#

Batch learning is when a learner is trained in full using one dataset within a single session. Calling the train() method on the learner instance is an example of batch learning. In contrast, online learning occurs when a learner is trained over multiple sessions with multiple datasets as small as a single sample each. Learners that are capable of being partially trained like this implement the Online interface that includes the partial() method for training in an online scheme. Subsequent calls the to partial() method will continue training where the learner left off since the last training session.


$folds = $dataset->fold(3);




Monitoring Progress#

Since training is often an iterative process, it is sometimes useful to obtain real-time feedback as to how the learner is progressing during training. For example, you may want to monitor the training loss to make sure that it isn't increasing instead of decreasing with training. Such early feedback can indicate various pathologies such as model overfitting or improperly tuned hyper-parameters. Learners that implement the Verbose interface accept a PSR-3 logger instance that can be used to output training information at each time step (or epoch). Rubix ML comes built-in with a Screen Logger that does the job for most cases.


use Rubix\ML\Other\Loggers\Screen;

$estimator->setLogger(new Screen('example'));

Ensemble Learning#

Some learners are actually collections or ensembles of learners that work together to form a unified model. Some ensembles such as Bootstrap Aggregator and Committee Machine work by averaging the predictions of the base estimators. Ensembles such as these are able to produce more stable models than any single member because they reduce the variance of their prediction through averaging. More sophisticated boosting ensembles such as AdaBoost and Gradient Boost focus on iteratively improving the predictions of a weak learner by using many specialized weak learners.