Data is at the center of many challenges in system design today. Difficult issues need to be figured out, such as scalability, consistency, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability. In addition, we have an overwhelming variety of tools, including relational databases, NoSQL datastores, stream or batch processors, and message brokers. What are the right choices for your application? How do you make sense of all these buzzwords? In this practical and comprehensive guide, author Martin Kleppmann helps you navigate this diverse landscape by examining the pros and cons of various technologies for processing and storing data. Software keeps changing, but the fundamental principles remain the same. With this book, software engineers and architects will learn how to apply those ideas in practice, and how to make full use of data in modern applications. Peer under the hood of the systems you already use, and learn how to use and operate them more effectively Make informed decisions by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different tools Navigate the trade-offs around consistency, scalability, fault tolerance, and complexity Understand the distributed systems research upon which modern databases are built Peek behind the scenes of major online services, and learn from their architectures Read more

Learn how to create, train, and tweak large language models (LLMs) by building one from the ground up!In Build a Large Language Model (from Scratch) bestselling author Sebastian Raschka guides you step by step through creating your own LLM. Each stage is explained with clear text, diagrams, and examples. You’ll go from the initial design and creation, to pretraining on a general corpus, and on to fine-tuning for specific tasks. Build a Large Language Model (from Scratch) teaches you how to: • Plan and code all the parts of an LLM • Prepare a dataset suitable for LLM training • Fine-tune LLMs for text classification and with your own data • Use human feedback to ensure your LLM follows instructions • Load pretrained weights into an LLM Build a Large Language Model (from Scratch) takes you inside the AI black box to tinker with the internal systems that power generative AI. As you work through each key stage of LLM creation, you’ll develop an in-depth understanding of how LLMs work, their limitations, and their customization methods. Your LLM can be developed on an ordinary laptop, and used as your own personal assistant. Purchase of the print book includes a free eBook in PDF and ePub formats from Manning Publications. About the technology Physicist Richard P. Feynman reportedly said, “I don’t understand anything I can’t build.” Based on this same powerful principle, bestselling author Sebastian Raschka guides you step by step as you build a GPT-style LLM that you can run on your laptop. This is an engaging book that covers each stage of the process, from planning and coding to training and fine-tuning. About the book Build a Large Language Model (From Scratch) is a practical and eminently-satisfying hands-on journey into the foundations of generative AI. Without relying on any existing LLM libraries, you’ll code a base model, evolve it into a text classifier, and ultimately create a chatbot that can follow your conversational instructions. And you’ll really understand it because you built it yourself! What's inside • Plan and code an LLM comparable to GPT-2 • Load pretrained weights • Construct a complete training pipeline • Fine-tune your LLM for text classification • Develop LLMs that follow human instructions About the reader Readers need intermediate Python skills and some knowledge of machine learning. The LLM you create will run on any modern laptop and can optionally utilize GPUs. About the author Sebastian Raschka is a Staff Research Engineer at Lightning AI, where he works on LLM research and develops open-source software. The technical editor on this book was David Caswell. Table of Contents 1 Understanding large language models 2 Working with text data 3 Coding attention mechanisms 4 Implementing a GPT model from scratch to generate text 5 Pretraining on unlabeled data 6 Fine-tuning for classification 7 Fine-tuning to follow instructions A Introduction to PyTorch B References and further reading C Exercise solutions D Adding bells and whistles to the training loop E Parameter-efficient fine-tuning with LoRA Read more

Newly adapted for audiobook listeners.Data is at the center of many challenges in system design today. Difficult issues need to be figured out, such as scalability, consistency, reliability, efficiency, and maintainability. In addition, we have an overwhelming variety of tools, including relational databases, NoSQL datastores, stream or batch processors, and message brokers. What are the right choices for your application? How do you make sense of all these buzzwords?In this practical and comprehensive guide, author Martin Kleppmann helps you navigate this diverse landscape by examining the pros and cons of various technologies for processing and storing data. Software keeps changing, but the fundamental principles remain the same. With this book, software engineers and architects will learn how to apply those ideas in practice, and how to make full use of data in modern applications.Peer under the hood of the systems you already use, and learn how to use and operate them more effectively.Make informed decisions by identifying the strengths and weaknesses of different tools.Navigate the trade-offs around consistency, scalability, fault tolerance, and complexity.Understand the distributed systems research upon which modern databases are built.Peek behind the scenes of major online services, and learn from their architectures. Read more

Turn yourself into a Data Head. You'll become a more valuable employee and make your organization more successful. Thomas H. Davenport, Research Fellow, Author of Competing on Analytics, Big Data @ Work, and The AI AdvantageYou've heard the hype around data?now get the facts.In Becoming a Data Head: How to Think, Speak, and Understand Data Science, Statistics, and Machine Learning, award-winning data scientists Alex Gutman and Jordan Goldmeier pull back the curtain on data science and give you the language and tools necessary to talk and think critically about it.You'll learn how to:Think statistically and understand the role variation plays in your life and decision makingSpeak intelligently and ask the right questions about the statistics and results you encounter in the workplaceUnderstand what's really going on with machine learning, text analytics, deep learning, and artificial intelligenceAvoid common pitfalls when working with and interpreting dataBecoming a Data Head is a complete guide for data science in the workplace: covering everything from the personalities you’ll work with to the math behind the algorithms. The authors have spent years in data trenches and sought to create a fun, approachable, and eminently bingeable book. Anyone can become a Data Head—an active participant in data science, statistics, and machine learning. Whether you're a business professional, engineer, executive, or aspiring data scientist, this book is for you.This audiobook is skillfully read by Brian Arens and was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

AI has acquired startling new language capabilities in just the past few years. Driven by rapid advances in deep learning, language AI systems are able to write and understand text better than ever before. This trend is enabling new features, products, and entire industries. Through this book's visually educational nature, readers will learn practical tools and concepts they need to use these capabilities today. You'll understand how to use pretrained large language models for use cases like copywriting and summarization; create semantic search systems that go beyond keyword matching; and use existing libraries and pretrained models for text classification, search, and clusterings. This book also helps you: Understand the architecture of Transformer language models that excel at text generation and representationBuild advanced LLM pipelines to cluster text documents and explore the topics they coverBuild semantic search engines that go beyond keyword search, using methods like dense retrieval and rerankersExplore how generative models can be used, from prompt engineering all the way to retrieval-augmented generationGain a deeper understanding of how to train LLMs and optimize them for specific applications using generative model fine-tuning, contrastive fine-tuning, and in-context learning Read more

THE BEST SQL BOOK FOR BEGINNERS IN 2023 - HANDS DOWN!*INCLUDES FREE ACCESS TO A SAMPLE DATABASE, SQL BROWSER APP, COMPREHENSION QUIZES & SEVERAL OTHER DIGITAL RESOURCES!*The same book currently in used in college-level courses while remaining approachable for beginners!Not sure how to prepare for the data-driven future?This book shows you EXACTLY what you need to know to successfully use the SQL programming language to enhance your career!* #1 BEST SELLER *Are you a developer who wants to expand your mastery to database management?Then you NEED this book. Buy now and start reading today!Are you a project manager who needs to better understand your development team’s needs? A decision maker who needs to make deeper data-driven analysis?Everything you need to know is included in these pages!The ubiquity of big data means that now more than ever there is a burning need to warehouse, access, and understand the contents of massive databases quickly and efficiently.That’s where SQL comes in.SQL is the workhorse programming language that forms the backbone of modern data management and interpretation.Any database management professional will tell you that despite trendy data management languages that come and go, SQL remains the most widely used and most reliable to date, with no signs of stopping. In this comprehensive guide, experienced mentor and SQL expert Walter Shields draws on his considerable knowledge to make the topic of relational database management accessible, easy to understand, and highly actionable.SQL QuickStart Guide is ideal for those seeking to increase their job prospects and enhance their careers, for developers looking to expand their programming capabilities, or for anyone who wants to take advantage of our inevitably data-driven future—even with no prior coding experience!SQL QuickStart Guide is Perfect For:Professionals looking to augment their job skills in preparation for a data-driven futureJob seekers who want to pad their skills and resume for a durable employability edgeBeginners with zero prior experienceManagers, decision makers, and business owners looking to manage data-driven business insightsDevelopers looking to expand their mastery beyond the full stackAnyone who wants to be better prepared for our data-driven future!In SQL QuickStart Guide You’ll Discover:The basic structure of databases—what they are, how they work, and how to successfully navigate themHow to use SQL to retrieve and understand data no matter the scale of a database (aided by numerous images and examples)The most important SQL queries, along with how and when to use them for best effectProfessional applications of SQL and how to “sell” your new SQL skills to your employer, along with other career-enhancing considerations*LIFETIME ACCESS TO FREE SQL RESOURCES*:Each book comes with free lifetime access to tons of exclusive online resources to help you master SQL, such as workbooks, cheat sheets and reference guides.GIVING BACK:QuickStart Guides proudly supports One Tree Planted as a reforestation partner. Read more

The classic guide to how computers work, updated with new chapters and interactive graphics"For me, Code was a revelation. It was the first book about programming that spoke to me. It started with a story, and it built up, layer by layer, analogy by analogy, until I understood not just the Code, but the System. Code is a book that is as much about Systems Thinking and abstractions as it is about code and programming. Code teaches us how many unseen layers there are between the computer systems that we as users look at every day and the magical silicon rocks that we infused with lightning and taught to think."- Scott Hanselman, Partner Program Director, Microsoft, and host of HanselminutesComputers are everywhere, most obviously in our laptops and smartphones, but also our cars, televisions, microwave ovens, alarm clocks, robot vacuum cleaners, and other smart appliances. Have you ever wondered what goes on inside these devices to make our lives easier but occasionally more infuriating?For more than 20 years, readers have delighted in Charles Petzold's illuminating story of the secret inner life of computers, and now he has revised it for this new age of computing. Cleverly illustrated and easy to understand, this is the book that cracks the mystery. You'll discover what flashlights, black cats, seesaws, and the ride of Paul Revere can teach you about computing, and how human ingenuity and our compulsion to communicate have shaped every electronic device we use. This new expanded edition explores more deeply the bit-by-bit and gate-by-gate construction of the heart of every smart device, the central processing unit that combines the simplest of basic operations to perform the most complex of feats. Petzold's companion website, CodeHiddenLanguage.com, uses animated graphics of key circuits in the book to make computers even easier to comprehend. In addition to substantially revised and updated content, new chapters include:Chapter 18: Let's Build a Clock!Chapter 21: The Arithmetic Logic UnitChapter 22: Registers and BussesChapter 23: CPU Control SignalsChapter 24: Jumps, Loops, and CallsChapter 28: The World BrainFrom the simple ticking of clocks to the worldwide hum of the internet, Code reveals the essence of the digital revolution. Read more

Essential Structured Query Language (ANSI SQL-99) six page laminated guide with core commands, statements, syntax and terms for support of beginners who are learning, and experts as a handy quick reference. Author Robin Nixon worked with computers in the 80s and started developing websites in the 90s becoming an expert and writing over 40 programming books and over 500 articles for top computer magazines. With his expertise in the field and writing to his audience in our succinct and organized QuickStudy format, this reference has more quality actionable facts per page than any book or website. Designed for quick access to the facts you need, this inexpensive tool has been a best seller for over 10 years and is an easy add to your programming toolbox. 6 page laminated reference Includes: Overview History Popular RDBMS Key Components & Operations Data Definition Language (DDL) Data Manipulation Language (DML) Data Control Language (DCL) Transaction Control Language (TCL) Data Query Language (DQL) Conventions Data Types Numeric Types String Types Date & Time Types Other Data Types Operators Math Comparison String Variables Comments Bitwise Miscellaneous Logical Operator Precedence DDL Databases Creating a database Modifying a database Deleting a database Tables Creating a table Altering a table Deleting a table Table Indexes Creating an index Deleting an index Views DML Search Conditions Where From & Join Group By Having Order By Into Top SQL Statements Select Insert Update Delete Truncate Table Read more

Designing generative AI (GenAI) systems for interviews can be complex and challenging. This book offers a clear and structured approach to help you tackle a wide range of GenAI system design questions. It provides a practical framework and real-world examples to make learning these concepts easier.This book complements our ML System Design Interview book. While the first book focuses on topics such as search and recommendation systems, this one centers on generative systems, with detailed examples and explanations to help you understand how GenAI systems are built in practice.What’s inside?- An insider’s perspective on what interviewers are truly looking for and why.- A 7-step framework to help you tackle GenAI system design interview questions.- 10 real-world GenAI system design questions with in-depth solutions.- 280+ diagrams to demystify complex GenAI systems.Table Of ContentsChapter 1 Introduction and OverviewChapter 2 Gmail Smart ComposeChapter 3 Google TranslateChapter 4 ChatGPT: Personal Assistant ChatbotChapter 5 Image CaptioningChapter 6 Retrieval-Augmented GenerationChapter 7 Realistic Face GenerationChapter 8 High-Resolution Image SynthesisChapter 9 Text-to-Image GenerationChapter 10 Personalized Headshot GenerationChapter 11 Text-to-Video Generation Read more

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COUNTERFEIT WARNING: Do NOT buy Used books - there is a 90% chance the 3rd party is selling pirated books filled with typos, missing SQL questions, and bad print quality. Only buy NEW!Authored by two Ex-Facebook employees, Ace the Data Science Interview is the best way to prepare for Data Science, Data Analyst, and Machine Learning interviews, so that you can land your dream job at FAANG, tech startups, or Wall Street.What's inside this 301 page book?201 real Data Science interview questions asked by Facebook, Google, Amazon, Netflix, Two Sigma, Citadel and more — with detailed step-by-step solutions!Learn how to break into Data Science, with tips on crafting your resume, creating kick-ass portfolio projects, sending networking cold emails, and better telling your story during behavioral interviewsQuestions cover the most frequently-tested topics in data interviews: Probability, Statistics, Machine Learning, SQL & Database Design, Coding (Python), Product Analytics, and A/B TestingEach chapter has a brief crash-course on the most important concepts and formulas to reviewLearn how to solve open-ended case study questions that combine product-sense, business intuition, and statistical modeling skills, and practice with case interviews from Airbnb, Instagram, & AccenturePraise for Ace the Data Science Interview:"The advice in this book directly helped me land my dream job" — Advitya Gemawat, ML Engineer, Microsoft“An invaluable resource for the Data Science & ML community”— Aishwarya Srinivasan, Senior Data Scientist, Google“Graduate students should read this book for a structured approach to prep for their next data Science interview”— Ali Gowani, Faculty at Northwestern University (MS in Data Science). “The authors explain exactly what hiring managers look for — a must read for any data job seeker”— Michelle Scarbrough, Former Data Analytics Manager, F500 Co."Super helpful career advice on breaking into data & landing your first job in the field"— Prithika Hariharan, President of Waterloo Data Science Club; Data Science Intern, Wish“FINALLY! Cracking the Coding Interview but for Data Science & ML!”— Jack Morris, AI Resident, Google“Solving the 201 interview questions is helpful for people in ALL industries, not just tech!”— Lars Hulstaert, Senior Data Scientist, Johnson & JohnsonAbout Kevin Huo:Kevin Huo is currently a Data Scientist at a Hedge Fund, and previously was a Data Scientist at Facebook working on Facebook Groups. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in Business from Wharton. In college he interned at Facebook, Bloomberg, and on Wall Street.About Nick Singh:Nick Singh previously worked on Facebook’s Growth Team and at SafeGraph, a geospatial analytics startup. Currently, he runs SQL interview platform DataLemur.com and shares career tips on LinkedIn to his 120,000+ followers. Nick holds a degree in System Engineering with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Virginia. In college, he interned at Microsoft and at Google’s Nest Labs on the Data Infrastructure Team. Read more

Reveal the insights behind your company’s data with Microsoft Power BI Microsoft Power BI allows intuitive access to data that can power intelligent business decisions and insightful strategies. The question is, do you have the Power BI skills to make your organization’s numbers spill their secrets? In Microsoft Power BI For Dummies, expert lecturer, consultant, and author Jack Hyman delivers a start-to-finish guide to applying the Power BI platform to your own firm’s data. You’ll discover how to start exploring your data sources, build data models, visualize your results, and create compelling reports that motivate decisive action. Tackle the basics of Microsoft Power BI and, when you’re done with that, move on to advanced functions like accessing data with DAX and app integrations Guide your organization’s direction and decisions with rock-solid conclusions based on real-world data Impress your bosses and confidently lead your direct reports with exciting insights drawn from Power BI’s useful visualization tools It’s one thing for your company to have data at its disposal. It’s another thing entirely to know what to do with it. Microsoft Power BI For Dummies is the straightforward blueprint you need to apply one of the most powerful business intelligence tools on the market to your firm’s existing data.   Read more

The Complete Python & SQL Programming Bootcamp From Zero To Hero 2025Are you a beginner struggling to get started with coding? Overwhelmed by learning new programming languages? Need a reliable resource to bridge the gap from beginner to advanced coding skills? If yes, then, keep reading.In Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1 - The #1 Coding Course from Beginner to Advanced. Learn it Well & Fast (2024), you won't just learn Python and SQL; you'll master them. This comprehensive guide is tailored for both beginners and experienced programmers, offering a bootcamp-style approach that simplifies learning with practical examples, hands-on exercises, and real-world applications.Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this course will boost your confidence as you tackle coding challenges head-on. You won't just learn the basics of Python and SQL; you'll delve into advanced topics, that will set you apart in the competitive job market, as this book breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand modules.By getting five books in one complete resource, you have the huge advantage of having all the necessary information at your fingertips.Here's a Sneak Peek of What You'll Master:- Python Basics: Master variables, functions, loops, conditionals, and data types.- Python Data Structures: Understand sequences, tuples, lists, matrices, and dictionaries.- Functions: Creating and utilizing functions effectively in Python.- Object-Oriented Programming: Learn to define classes and methods, and apply OOP principles.- Error Handling: Implement robust exception handling to write error-free code.- File Operations: Efficiently handle file reading, writing, and manipulation.- SQL Foundations: Learn SQL basics, including data types, statements, and clauses.- Database Management: Create, modify, and manage databases and tables.- Complex Queries: Execute joins, unions, ordering, grouping, and more advanced SQL queries.- Performance Optimization: Optimize SQL queries for maximum efficiency.- Data Integrity and Constraints: Implement data integrity rules using primary keys, foreign keys, and other constraints.- Advanced SQL Functions: Leverage advanced functions like ROUND, SUM, MAX, and MIN to perform complex data manipulations.- Using SQL Tools: Get started with PostgreSQL and PgAdmin, two of the world's most popular SQL tools.- Python Integration: Learn to use Python to further advance your SQL skills.And much much more...Python Programming and SQL: 5 Books in 1, isn't just a book. It's a career booster ✅ Whether you're aiming for a new job, freelancing, or developing your own software, this guide has everything you need. Suitable for all levels, you will find practical advice and skills to propel your career, set you apart from your peers, and make you an invaluable asset to any organization. Boost your performance and achieve your goals with the comprehensive knowledge provided in this bundle.Why wait? Your journey to mastering Python and SQL starts here. 📈Don't let another day go by—Click 'Buy Now' to Get Started! 🚀 Read more

There are two remarkable phenomena that are unfolding almost simultaneously. The first is the emergence of a data-first world, where data has become a central driving force, shaping industries and fueling innovation. The second is the dawn of the AI age, propelled by the advent of Generative AI, that has created the possibility to leverage the data of the world for the first time. The convergence of these two, with data as the common denominator, holds immense promise and the opportunities are boundless.This book provides us with opportunities to push our thinking, to innovate, to transform and to create a better future at all levels―individual, enterprise and the world.PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. Read more

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Updated new edition of Ralph Kimball's groundbreaking book on dimensional modeling for data warehousing and business intelligence!The first edition of Ralph Kimball's The Data Warehouse Toolkit introduced the industry to dimensional modeling,and now his books are considered the most authoritative guides in this space. This new third edition is a complete library of updated dimensional modeling techniques, the most comprehensive collection ever. It covers new and enhanced star schema dimensional modeling patterns, adds two new chapters on ETL techniques, includes new and expanded business matrices for 12 case studies, and more.Authored by Ralph Kimball and Margy Ross, known worldwide as educators, consultants, and influential thought leaders in data warehousing and business intelligenceBegins with fundamental design recommendations and progresses through increasingly complex scenariosPresents unique modeling techniques for business applications such as inventory management, procurement, invoicing, accounting,customer relationship management, big data analytics, and moreDraws real-world case studies from a variety of industries,including retail sales, financial services, telecommunications,education, health care, insurance, e-commerce, and moreDesign dimensional databases that are easy to understand and provide fast query response with The Data Warehouse Toolkit: The Definitive Guide to Dimensional Modeling, 3rd Edition. Read more

The #1 Easy, Common-Sense Guide to SQL Queries―Updated with More Advanced Techniques and Solutions Foreword by Keith W. Hare, Vice Chair, USA SQL Standards Committee SQL Queries for Mere Mortals has earned worldwide praise as the clearest, simplest tutorial on writing effective queries with the latest SQL standards and database applications. Now, author John L. Viescas has updated this hands-on classic with even more advanced and valuable techniques. Step by step, Viescas guides you through creating reliable queries for virtually any current SQL-based database. He demystifies all aspects of SQL query writing, from simple data selection and filtering to joining multiple tables and modifying sets of data. Building on the basics, Viescas shows how to solve challenging real-world problems, including applying multiple complex conditions on one table, performing sophisticated logical evaluations, and using unlinked tables to think “outside the box.” In two brand-new chapters, you learn how to perform complex calculations on groups for sophisticated reporting, and how to partition data into windows for more flexible aggregation. Practice all you want with downloadable sample databases for today’s versions of Microsoft Office Access, Microsoft SQL Server, and the open source MySQL and PostgreSQL databases. Whether you’re a DBA, developer, user, or student, there’s no better way to master SQL. Coverage includes: Getting started: understanding what relational databases are, and ensuring that your database structures are soundSQL basics: using SELECT statements, creating expressions, sorting information with ORDER BY, and filtering data using WHERESummarizing and grouping data with GROUP BY and HAVING clausesDrawing data from multiple tables: using INNER JOIN, OUTER JOIN, and UNION operators, and working with subqueriesModifying data sets with UPDATE, INSERT, and DELETE statementsAdvanced queries: complex NOT and AND, conditions, if-then-else using CASE, unlinked tables, driver tables, and moreNEW! Using advanced GROUP BY keywords to create subtotals, roll-ups, and moreNEW! Applying window functions to answer more sophisticated questions, and gain deeper insight into your dataSoftware-Independent Approach! If you work with database software such as Access, MS SQL Server, Oracle, DB2, MySQL, Ingres, or any other SQL-based program, this book could save you hours of time and aggravation―before you write a single query! Read more

Python for Everybody is designed to introduce students to programming and software development through the lens of exploring data. You can think of the Python programming language as your tool to solve data problems that are beyond the capability of a spreadsheet.Python is an easy to use and easy to learn programming language that is freely available on Macintosh, Windows, or Linux computers. So once you learn Python you can use it for the rest of your career without needing to purchase any software.This book uses the Python 3 language. The earlier Python 2 version of this book is titled "Python for Informatics: Exploring Information". Read more

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A former Wall Street quant sounds the alarm on Big Data and the mathematical models that threaten to rip apart our social fabric—with a new afterword “A manual for the twenty-first-century citizen . . . relevant and urgent.”—Financial Times NATIONAL BOOK AWARD LONGLIST • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The New York Times Book Review • The Boston Globe • Wired • Fortune • Kirkus Reviews • The Guardian • Nature • On Point We live in the age of the algorithm. Increasingly, the decisions that affect our lives—where we go to school, whether we can get a job or a loan, how much we pay for health insurance—are being made not by humans, but by machines. In theory, this should lead to greater fairness: Everyone is judged according to the same rules. But as mathematician and data scientist Cathy O’Neil reveals, the mathematical models being used today are unregulated and uncontestable, even when they’re wrong. Most troubling, they reinforce discrimination—propping up the lucky, punishing the downtrodden, and undermining our democracy in the process. Welcome to the dark side of Big Data. Read more

A practical guide to making good decisions in a world of missing dataIn the era of big data, it is easy to imagine that we have all the information we need to make good decisions. But in fact the data we have are never complete, and may be only the tip of the iceberg. Just as much of the universe is composed of dark matter, invisible to us but nonetheless present, the universe of information is full of dark data that we overlook at our peril. In Dark Data, data expert David Hand takes us on a fascinating and enlightening journey into the world of the data we don't see.Dark Data explores the many ways in which we can be blind to missing data and how that can lead us to conclusions and actions that are mistaken, dangerous, or even disastrous. Examining a wealth of real-life examples, from the Challenger shuttle explosion to complex financial frauds, Hand gives us a practical taxonomy of the types of dark data that exist and the situations in which they can arise, so that we can learn to recognize and control for them. In doing so, he teaches us not only to be alert to the problems presented by the things we don’t know, but also shows how dark data can be used to our advantage, leading to greater understanding and better decisions.Today, we all make decisions using data. Dark Data shows us all how to reduce the risk of making bad ones. Read more