Random Forest Algorithm
Random Forest is a popular machine learning algorithm that belongs to the supervised
learning technique. It can be used for both Classification and Regression problems in
ML. It is based on the concept of ensemble learning, which is a process of combining
multiple classifiers to solve a complex problem and to improve the performance of the
model.
As the name suggests, "Random Forest is a classifier that contains a number of
decision trees on various subsets of the given dataset and takes the average to
improve the predictive accuracy of that dataset." Instead of relying on one decision
tree, the random forest takes the prediction from each tree and based on the majority
votes of predictions, and it predicts the final output.
The greater number of trees in the forest leads to higher accuracy and prevents
the problem of overfitting.
The below diagram explains the working of the Random Forest algorithm:
Why use Random Forest?
Below are some points that explain why we should use the Random Forest algorithm:
o It takes less training time as compared to other algorithms.
o It predicts output with high accuracy, even for the large dataset it runs efficiently.
o It can also maintain accuracy when a large proportion of data is missing.
How does Random Forest algorithm work?
Random Forest works in two-phase first is to create the random forest by combining
N decision tree, and second is to make predictions for each tree created in the first
phase.
The Working process can be explained in the below steps and diagram:
Step-1: Select random K data points from the training set.
Step-2: Build the decision trees associated with the selected data points (Subsets).
Step-3: Choose the number N for decision trees that you want to build.
Step-4: Repeat Step 1 & 2.
Step-5: For new data points, find the predictions of each decision tree, and assign the
new data points to the category that wins the majority votes.
The working of the algorithm can be better understood by the below example:
Example: Suppose there is a dataset that contains multiple fruit images. So, this
dataset is given to the Random forest classifier. The dataset is divided into subsets and
given to each decision tree. During the training phase, each decision tree produces a
prediction result, and when a new data point occurs, then based on the majority of
results, the Random Forest classifier predicts the final decision. Consider the below
image:
Applications of Random Forest
There are mainly four sectors where Random forest mostly used:
1. Banking: Banking sector mostly uses this algorithm for the identification of loan risk.
2. Medicine: With the help of this algorithm, disease trends and risks of the disease can
be identified.
3. Land Use: We can identify the areas of similar land use by this algorithm.
4. Marketing: Marketing trends can be identified using this algorithm.
Advantages of Random Forest
o Random Forest is capable of performing both Classification and Regression tasks.
o It is capable of handling large datasets with high dimensionality.
o It enhances the accuracy of the model and prevents the overfitting issue.
Disadvantages of Random Forest
o Although random forest can be used for both classification and regression tasks, it is
not more suitable for Regression tasks