How do you debug your machine learning code?

In addition, it is essential to check your code implementation against established benchmarks or results. This can assist distinguish any errors and expected issues with your code. Make sure you are using the right versions, libraries, and algorithms because using versions that are out of date or wrong can cause unexpected behaviour.

Two methods I used for debugging are the Lean Six Sigma equation and leveraging metadata. Y = F(X), defines the relationship between the output (Y), the functions (F) that operate on the input (X). This approach enables the breakdown of a complex process into smaller, manageable processes. By focusing on individual stages, the number of inputs analyzed simultaneously is reduced, allowing for more targeted investigations. Additionally, metadata plays a significant role in ensuring accurate results. For instance, consider a scenario where a column contains null values instead of zeros, and a formula is applied to it. The output may yield incorrect results. By being aware of the data's characteristics, one can effectively debug issues.

I think it’s really easy to get lost in exploratory data analysis because it’s unlimited. With that being said, it’s the best way I’ve found to figure out which model to choose and to ensure that data types are correct for the model. also I save the results of EDA because frequently stakeholders are more interested in the exploratory data results than the modeling results.

To simplify the debugging, prepare a checklist like: https://github.com/ageron/handson-ml/blob/master/ml-project-checklist.md. Understanding the problem is half of the way. If you are working with big data, reduce the dataset, and solve a simplified version of the problem first, you can always add new assumptions to your initial model. Learn two or three data reduction and visualization methods very well. With a bit of a twist same method can be applied to a new dataset.

There are a variety of techniques and tools for debugging that can make the process easier. Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) frequently include debugging features that enable you to set breakpoints, inspect variables, step through the code, and evaluate the program's execution. These features can provide insight into the current state of the code and help pinpoint the precise moment when an error occurs. Assert statements can also be used to validate assumptions and look for unexpected conditions or values. You can put assertions all over your code to make sure that certain conditions are true. This lets you catch errors and inconsistencies early on.

Starting with small subsets of your data and simpler models can be helpful when debugging. As a result, it is possible to carry out iterations more quickly and quickly identify issues. You can identify potential issues and better comprehend how the code works by working with a smaller dataset or simplified models. Whenever you have settled any issues, you can slowly increase to bigger datasets and more complicated models.

Debugging machine learning code can benefit greatly from the use of logging and print statements. By decisively putting logging explanations all through your code, you can follow the progression of information and factors at various phases of the interaction. This can assist in locating unanticipated values or behaviors as well as potential points of contention. In addition, print statements can be used to show intermediate results, variable values, or error messages to help figure out what's wrong.

Debugging can be done with others. To obtain assistance and new perspectives, get in touch with members of your team, mentors, or online communities. Clarifying the issue for another person can frequently prompt new experiences and expected arrangements. Others may have faced similar difficulties and be able to offer advice or share their own debugging lessons learned.

Keep a record of the problems you find, the steps you take to fix them, and the solutions you use as you debug your machine learning code. You may be able to save this documentation as a helpful reference in the future and avoid making the same errors again. Learn from the debugging process and reflect on it to improve your abilities and efficiency in the future.