Writing this book has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences I’ve had. I had to make time when I had none, find the right headspace while juggling many responsibilities, and create motivation while being caught up in the reality of life. I’ve learned and grown tremendously through this experience. Thank you, Bert Bates, for being a fantastic editor and mentor during the writing of the first edition of this book. I learned so much about effective teaching and written communication from you. Our discussions and debates and your empathy throughout the process helped mold this book into what it is.
Every project needs someone who’s organized, with a finger on the pulse, making sure that things are happening. For this, I’d like to thank Elesha Hyde, my development editor. Working with you has been an absolute pleasure. You always provide direction and interesting insights about my work.
We always need people to bounce ideas off, and who better to annoy than your friends? I’d especially like to thank Hennie Brink for always being a great sounding board and pillar of support.
For ensuring technical rigor and objective feedback, I’d like to thank technical editor Emmanuel Maggiori. Emmanuel is a 10-year AI industry insider and author of the book Smart Until It’s Dumb. He has developed AI for a wide variety of applications, from extracting objects from satellite images to packaging holiday deals for millions of travelers every day.