Before I write anything else, let me say Bravo! At last somebody (or group of people) created a quick start for a new technology, and the quick start is perfect — straight to the point and it works first time.

OK, so what exactly impressed me? I took a look at the brand new ML.NET which is a machine learning code library for software developers who use .NET technologies. The ML.NET library is based on an internal Microsoft library named TLC. TLC has been around for years (the current version inside Microsoft is 3.9) a TLC code is used in many existing Microsoft products and services.

I decided I’d take a look at the early ML.NET documentation at https://www.microsoft.com/net/learn/apps/machine-learning-and-ai/ml-dotnet/get-started/windows. Most documentation is horrible so I was mentally prepared for a bad experience, but as I mentioned, the documentation was excellent.

The quick start uses the new .NET Core which is a software ecosystem similar to the .NET Framework, but .NET Core is ideal for console (shell) applications including ML.NET applications. First, I downloaded and installed .NET Core onto my machine.

Next I opened a command shell and created a new console application.

Next, I created the data file.

Next, I copy-pasted the ML.NET C# program.

And last, I ran the program.

OK, so there’s a lot I don’t understand yet, but the point of a quick start is to just get started. The rest is relatively easy.

The start of the 1966 Le Mans race where drivers sprint to their cars. Ford GT40s took first, second, and third places, ending five years of Ferrari wins. The golden age of motor sports.