ML.NET
In this post I am going give a short description of ML.NET.
What is ML.NET?
ML.NET is a free, open-source, and cross-platform machine learning framework, created by Microsoft, for the .NET developer platform.
ML.NET allows you to train, build, and ship custom machine learning models using C# or F# for a variety of ML scenarios. ML.NET includes features like automated machine learning (AutoML) and tools like ML.NET CLI and ML.NET Model Builder, which make integrating machine learning into your applications even easier.
ML.NET CLI
What is the ML.NET command-line interface (CLI)?
The ML.NET CLI is a .NET Core tool. Once installed, you give it a machine learning task and a training dataset, and it generates an ML.NET model, as well as the C# code to run to use the model in your application. The following figure shows ML.NET command-line explanation.
As shown in the above figure, it is simple to generate a high quality ML.NET model (serialized model .zip file) plus the sample C# code to run/score that model. In addition, a C# code to train the model is also generated, so that you can research and iterate on the algorithm and settings used for that generated “best model“.
You can generate those assets from your own datasets without coding by yourself, so it also improves your productivity even if you already know ML.NET.
Currently, the ML Tasks supported by the ML.NET CLI are:
- classification
- regression
- recommendation
- image classification
- forecasting
- train
ML.NET Model Builder
What is Model Builder and how does it work?
ML.NET Model Builder is an intuitive graphical Visual Studio extension to build, train, and deploy custom machine learning models.
Model Builder uses automated machine learning (AutoML) to explore different machine learning algorithms and settings to help you find the one that best suits your scenario.
You don’t need machine learning expertise to use Model Builder. All you need is some data, and a problem to solve. Model Builder generates the code to add the model to your .NET application.
Custom machine learning models in Visual Studio
ML.NET Model Builder provides an easy to understand visual interface to build, train, and deploy custom machine learning models. Prior machine learning expertise is not required.
Model Builder supports AutoML, which automatically explores different machine learning algorithms and settings to help you find the one that best suits your scenario.
Connect to files and databases
The current preview of Model Builder can work with csv files, tsv files, and SQL Server databases.
Code generation
Model Builder produces a trained model, plus the code you need to load your model and start making predictions. ML.NET models are stored as a .zip file. The code to load and use your model is added as a new project in your solution. Model builder also adds a sample console app you can run to see your model in action.
Model Builder also gives you the code to retrain your model with a new data set, in case you need to retrain from code, without using the Model Builder interface.
Run everything local
Model Builder gives you everything you need on your machine. No need to connect to cloud resources, or other services, to build and consume your model.
Integration with your existing tools and DevOps
Model Builder is a Visual Studio extension, so you stay working in the development environment you already know.
The code and models that Model Builder produces are all versioned with your existing source control solution and built, tested, and deployed with your existing DevOps workflow.
Works with any .NET app
ML.NET is compliant with .NET Standard—a formal specification of .NET APIs that are common across .NET implementations. This means you can use ML.NET anywhere you write .NET code.
ML.NET Model Builder can be used with any .NET app you develop in Visual Studio.
Model Builder is Free
.NET is free, and that includes ML.NET and the ML.NET Model Builder. There are no fees or licensing costs, including for commercial use.
Summary
This post was a short description of ML.NET, ML.NET CLI and ML.NET Model Builder.