In the last couple of years there has been an explosion of workshops, conferences and symposia , books, reports and blogs which talk and cover the use of data in different fields and variations of words coming into existence such as ‘data’, ‘data driven’, ‘big data’. Some of them make reference to techniques – ‘data analytics’, ‘machine learning’, ‘artificial intelligence’, ‘deep learning’ etc.

Today we look more in detail about two important terms, widely used data science and artificial intelligence and understand the difference between them, the purpose for which they are deployed and how they work etc.

What is Data Science?

Data science is the analysis and study of data. Data science is instrumental in bringing the 4th industrial revolution in the world today. This has resulted in data explosion and growing need for industries to rely on data to make informed decisions. Data science involves various fields like statistics, mathematics, and programming.

Data science involves various steps and procedures such as data extraction, manipulation, visualization and maintenance of data for forecasting future events occurrence. Industries require data scientists which help them to make informed decisions which are data driven. They help product development teams to tailor their products which appeal to customers by analysing their behaviours.

What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broad field and quite modern. However, some ideas do exist in older times and the discipline was born a way back in 1956 in a workshop at Dartmouth College. It is presented in contact with intelligence displayed by humans, and other animals. Artificial intelligence is modelled after natural intelligence and talks about intelligent systems. It makes use of algorithms to perform autonomous decisions and actions.

Traditional AI systems are goal driven however contemporary AI algorithms like deep learning understand the patterns and locate the goal embedded in data. It also makes use of several software engineering principles to develop solutions to existing problems. Major technology giants like Google, Amazon and Facebook are leveraging AI to develop autonomous systems using neural networks which are modelled after human neurons which learn over time and execute actions.

Comparison Table: Data Science vs Artificial Intelligence

Below table summarizes the differences between the two terms:

Parameter	Data Science	Artificial Intelligence
Definition	Comprehensive process which comprises of pre-processing, analysis, visualization and prediction It is a discipline which performs analysis of data	Implementation of a predictive model used in forecasting future events It is a tool which helps in creating better products and impart them with autonomy
Techniques	Various statistical techniques are used here	This is based on computer algorithms
Tools size	The tools subset is quite large	AI used a limited tool set
Purpose	Finding hidden patterns in data Building models which use statistical insights	Imparting autonomy to data model Building models that emulate cognitive ability and human like understanding
Processing	Not so much processing requirement	High degree of scientific processing requirements
Applicability	Applicable to wide range of business problems and issues	Applicable to replace humans in specific tasks and workflows only
Tools used	Python and R	TensorFlow, Kaffee, Scikit-learn

Download the comparison table: Data Science vs Artificial Intelligence

Where to use Data Science?

Data science should be used when:

• Identification of patterns and trends required
• Requirement for statistical insight
• Need for exploratory data analysis
• Requirement of fast mathematical processing
• Use of predictive analytics required

Where to use Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence should be used when:

• Precision is the requirement
• Fast decision making is needed
• Logical decision making without emotional intelligence is needed
• Repetitive tasks are required
• Need to perform risk analysis

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