Book Review: Confident Data Skills

The first part of the book works as a brief introduction to the importance of data science where this field is contextualized in the current world and the mindset that a professional in this area should have is presented.

Kirill takes advantage of Maslow's hierarchy of needs to explain the role of data science in each of the links: physiological needs, security needs, social needs, needs in self-esteem and self-actualization.

The rest of this part explains the processes of data preparation and analysis. For the preparation part he explains the whole process of data extraction, transformation and loading (ETL). The analysis section explains the most popular machine learning techniques (Classification and clustering) and ends with unsupervised language techniques such as Upper confidence bound and Thompson sampling. All these topics are explained in a simple way without falling into strong mathematical explanations and are easy to understand for all audiences regardless of their level of experience in the subject.

The third and last part of the book is devoted to the last two parts of the 'Data Science Process'. The aspects that I found most remarkable are the use of color schemes in the visualization of the data. The book ends with tips for building a career in data science, the author discusses topics on how to prepare interviews and the different roles within this field, among other various advices.

Confident Data Skills is a very good book and a hit by Kirill Eremenko. The book has something for every type of user: for the business owner it gives a general idea about the importance of including a data science department and how this branch is of a great help in decision-making. For the user who starts in this field it provides a general idea and allows to identify the path to follow. For the professional in the area, it serves as a book of tips and best practices in the field.