Skip to main content
Course/Module 5/Topic 1 of 4Beginner

Neural Network Basics

Understand the fundamentals of neural networks and their components.

60 minBy Priygop TeamLast updated: Feb 2026

What are Neural Networks?

Neural Networks are computing systems inspired by biological neural networks. They consist of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information and learn patterns from data.

Key Components

  • Input Layer: Receives input data
  • Hidden Layers: Process information
  • Output Layer: Produces predictions
  • Weights: Connection strengths
  • Activation Functions: Non-linear transformations

Implementation with TensorFlow/Keras

Example
import tensorflow as tf
from tensorflow import keras
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

# Generate sample data
np.random.seed(42)
X = np.random.randn(1000, 20)
y = (np.sum(X, axis=1) > 0).astype(int)

# Split the data
from sklearn.model_selection import train_test_split
X_train, X_test, y_train, y_test = train_test_split(X, y, test_size=0.2, random_state=42)

# Create the model
model = keras.Sequential([
    keras.layers.Dense(64, activation='relu', input_shape=(20,)),
    keras.layers.Dropout(0.2),
    keras.layers.Dense(32, activation='relu'),
    keras.layers.Dropout(0.2),
    keras.layers.Dense(1, activation='sigmoid')
])

# Compile the model
model.compile(optimizer='adam',
              loss='binary_crossentropy',
              metrics=['accuracy'])

# Train the model
history = model.fit(X_train, y_train,
                    epochs=50,
                    batch_size=32,
                    validation_split=0.2,
                    verbose=1)

# Evaluate the model
test_loss, test_accuracy = model.evaluate(X_test, y_test, verbose=0)
print(f"Test accuracy: {test_accuracy:.4f}")

# Plot training history
plt.figure(figsize=(12, 4))
plt.subplot(1, 2, 1)
plt.plot(history.history['accuracy'], label='Training Accuracy')
plt.plot(history.history['val_accuracy'], label='Validation Accuracy')
plt.title('Model Accuracy')
plt.xlabel('Epoch')
plt.ylabel('Accuracy')
plt.legend()

plt.subplot(1, 2, 2)
plt.plot(history.history['loss'], label='Training Loss')
plt.plot(history.history['val_loss'], label='Validation Loss')
plt.title('Model Loss')
plt.xlabel('Epoch')
plt.ylabel('Loss')
plt.legend()
plt.tight_layout()
plt.show()

Try It Yourself — Neural Network Basics

Try It Yourself — Neural Network BasicsJavaScript
JavaScript Editor
✓ ValidTab = 2 spaces
JavaScript|33 lines|986 chars|✓ Valid syntax
UTF-8

📚 Additional Resources

Recommended Reading

  • Deep Learning by Ian Goodfellow
  • Neural Networks and Deep Learning by Michael Nielsen
  • TensorFlow and Keras Documentation

Online Resources

  • TensorFlow Tutorials
  • Keras Documentation
  • CNN Architecture Guide
Chat on WhatsApp
Priygop - Leading Professional Development Platform | Expert Courses & Interview Prep