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Numeric variable

As explained in Delivering Machine Learning Projects: From design to deployment

A numerical field is a data field whose values represent measured or otherwise quantitative amounts.

A numeric variable stores measured or quantitative amounts, such as size, weight, density, frequency, wavelength, time, concentration, or temperature. During a data survey, it helps identify which fields require quantitative inspection. section 5.2.1

Use numeric variables to:

  • Distinguish quantitative fields from categorical labels and unstructured images, text, or sounds. section 5.2.1
  • Check whether the relevant records exist, have the expected size, look plausible, and reveal major data issues. section 5.2.1

Temperature readings

A table named temperature_readings contains numerical data and becomes the first table examined during the survey. section 5.2.1

select table_name from all_tables;
>TABLE_NAME | OWNER |TABLESPACE_NAME
TEMPERATURE_READINGS | SYS | SYSTEM
INCIDENTS | SYS |SYSTEM

A table listing shows temperature_readings and incidents, providing a concrete starting point for identifying numerical data sources. section 5.2.1

How Delivering Machine Learning Projects: From design to deployment covers it

How deep it goes
Defines numerical fields through concrete examples and survey checks, but does not detail numerical analysis or modeling.
Examples
Uses sizes, weights, densities, frequencies, wavelengths, times, concentrations, temperatures, and a temperature_readings table.
What it assumes
Assumes access to data tables and basic survey questions, while avoiding any requirement to read SQL code.
What you can do after
Evaluate/understand which fields contain quantitative data and inspect their tables for basic survey problems.
How it connects
Connects numerical fields with categorical fields, unstructured data, data surveys, SQL, and DBMS tables.
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Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Delivering Machine Learning Projects: From design to deployment. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.