Deep-Learning Frameworks
The framework check has a direct answer: the course examples use Keras.
Two Checks Before the Examples
Before working through the deep-learning examples, check two parts of your software environment. First, identify the framework used by the course code. Second, confirm that you have access to the expected operating-system environment. The course uses Keras and expects access to a UNIX machine.
What do you think happens?
Which pair correctly describes the course environment?
Reveal answer
Keras and a UNIX machine
The course examples use Keras, and the course requires access to a UNIX machine. Windows is possible, but it is not recommended.
Keras in the Course Examples
Keras is the open-source, free-to-download deep-learning framework used by the course examples.
For this course, identifying Keras is an environment check rather than a programming task by itself. When the course refers to its deep-learning code examples, Keras is the framework those examples use. This tells you which framework the course expects you to work with before you begin the examples.
The framework check has a direct answer: the course examples use Keras.
UNIX and Windows Compared
The course requires access to a UNIX machine. This is the recommended operating-system environment for working through the course. Windows can also be used, so it is a possible option, but the source material explicitly says that Windows is not recommended.
| Environment | Can it be used? | Course recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| UNIX | Yes | Required access and recommended |
| Windows | Yes | Possible, but not recommended |
The course distinguishes between the expected UNIX environment and the possible but not recommended Windows option.
A Readiness Decision
Checking a Learner's Environment
A learner wants to begin the deep-learning examples. They need to identify the course framework and check whether their operating-system environment matches the course recommendation.
- 1Check the framework
The course examples use Keras, so Keras is the framework to identify for the course.
- 2Check operating-system access
The course requires access to a UNIX machine.
- 3Interpret a Windows setup
Windows is possible, but it is not the recommended environment for the course.
- 4Find setup instructions
Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.
The clearest match for the course environment is Keras with access to a UNIX machine. A Windows setup is possible but not recommended.
Notice the order of the decision. The framework question and the operating-system question are separate: Keras identifies the deep-learning framework, while UNIX or Windows identifies the available operating-system environment. A learner should not treat Windows being possible as meaning that it is the recommended choice.
Setup Guidance and Limits
Before beginning the deep-learning examples, record two answers: Keras is the framework, and UNIX is the recommended operating-system environment. If your environment is Windows, remember that the course describes it as possible but not recommended.
Mistakes in Environment Checks
Common mistake Assuming the course uses an unspecified or interchangeable deep-learning framework.
What it looks likeA learner begins the examples without identifying which framework the course code uses.
Why it failsThe course examples specifically use Keras.
Do this insteadIdentify Keras as the open-source, free-to-download framework used by the course examples.
Common mistake Treating Windows as the recommended environment because it is possible to use.
What it looks likeA learner concludes that Windows and UNIX have the same recommendation status.
Why it failsThe course requires access to a UNIX machine and states that Windows is possible but not recommended.
Do this insteadDistinguish possibility from recommendation: UNIX is recommended, while Windows is possible but not recommended.
Common mistake Looking for setup instructions only in the framework description.
What it looks likeA learner expects this topic alone to provide the complete setup procedure.
Why it failsThe complete setup instructions are located in Appendix A.
Do this insteadUse Appendix A when you need the complete setup instructions.
Environment Check Practice
Write a two-line environment check for yourself. On the first line, name the deep-learning framework used by the course examples. On the second line, state whether your operating-system environment is UNIX or Windows and classify it as recommended or possible but not recommended.
Hints
- The framework name is given directly in the course description.
- Do not confuse an option being possible with that option being recommended.
- 1A correct check should identify Keras as the framework. It should also state that UNIX is the required and recommended environment for the course, while Windows is possible but not recommended.
Key Takeaways
- The course code examples use Keras.
- Keras is described as open-source and free to download.
- The course requires access to a UNIX machine.
- Windows is possible, but it is not recommended.
- Appendix A contains the complete setup instructions.