Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence are all related fields that have gained significant attention in recent years. One can easily wonder if they are interchangeable. However, they are not interchangeable terms and have distinct differences.

Data Science is a broad field that encompasses various aspects of data analysis and interpretation. It involves collecting, cleaning, and analyzing large sets of data using statistical and computational methods to extract insights and make data-driven decisions. As such it is applicable to various industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail to name a few. A data scientist will be able to use such tools and techniques to draw insights from data, build predictive models, and thus enable data-driven decisions. The core activity of Data Science can be executed by implementing Python programming.

Data Analytics, on the other hand, is a subfield of data science that focuses on the analysis of data to identify patterns and trends. It is often used to optimize business operations and make strategic decisions. Data analytics can include descriptive, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive analytics. Descriptive analytics is focused on describing the past, diagnostic analytics is focused on understanding why certain events occurred, predictive analytics is focused on forecasting future events, and prescriptive analytics is focused on providing recommendations for future actions.

Machine Learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that involves the use of algorithms and statistical models to enable systems to learn from data and make predictions or decisions without being explicitly programmed to do so. Machine learning techniques are often used in data analytics and data science to extract insights from data and make predictions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a broader field that encompasses machine learning and other techniques such as natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. AI is focused on creating intelligent machines that can "think" and "learn", like humans do. It is the ability for a system to take in new information, draw inferences and conclusions, and iterate its operations based on the conclusions drawn (ie a "continuous refinement" process).

Data Science is a multidisciplinary field that combines statistics, computer science, and domain expertise to extract insights and knowledge from data. Data analytics is a subset of data science that focuses on the analysis of data to identify patterns and trends. Machine Learning is a subset of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that involves the use of algorithms and statistical models to enable systems to learn from data and make predictions, whereas AI is focused on constant learning.

How to decide which to pursue?

Deciding which field among Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence (AI) to pursue as a career depends on one's interests, skills, and career goals.

If you are interested in data processing, number crunching, organising and treating disparate data from various sources, then a career in data science or data analytics might be a good fit for you. If you are more interested in analysing data and drawing conclusions, and using it to predict the future, then you are suited to a career in data analytics and machine learning.

If you have a strong programming background and an edge at coding, then crafting AI/ML algorithms would be advantageous for you. This field involves the use of techniques such as natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics to create intelligent systems.

It's also worth noting that a career in data science, data analytics, machine learning, or AI requires a strong foundation in Math and Computer science, as well as the ability to work with large and complex datasets. If you have a background in these areas, you may find it easier to transition into one of these fields.

It's also worth considering that one can specialize in a certain area or even combine multiple fields in their career.  You can explore the different roles and responsibilities within each field and find the one that aligns best with your interests, skills and career goals.

What skills do I need ?

 Before pursuing a career in Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence (AI), it's important to have a solid foundation in certain key skills:

-Strong problem-solving skills: These fields involve working with complex data and finding solutions to challenging problems, so it's important to have strong problem-solving skills.

-Strong mathematical and statistical background: Knowledge of mathematics and statistics is essential for data analysis and building predictive models. Familiarity with linear algebra, calculus, and probability theory is important.

-Programming skills: Strong programming skills are required for working with data and building models. Familiarity with programming languages such as Python, R, and SQL is important.

-Experience with data manipulation and visualization: The ability to work with large and complex datasets is crucial. Experience with data manipulation and visualization tools such as Excel, Tableau, and data wrangling libraries like pandas and dplyr, is important.

-Machine Learning skills: For a career in Machine Learning one should have knowledge of various machine learning algorithms, ability to implement them, and understand their underlying principles.

-Understanding of AI and its applications: For a career in AI, it's important to have an understanding of the field and its various applications, such as natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics.

-Strong communication and collaboration skills: These fields often involve working with cross-functional teams and communicating complex data and insights to non-technical stakeholders, so strong communication and collaboration skills are essential.

-Continuous Learning: Data Science, Data Analytics, Machine Learning, and AI are rapidly evolving fields, so it's important to be willing to continuously learn and adapt to new technologies and techniques.

Having a degree in fields such as computer science, math, statistics, physics, or engineering is a good starting point, but it's not the only requirement for a career in these fields. Many professionals in these fields come from diverse backgrounds and have acquired the necessary skills through self-study or bootcamps.

It's important to remember that the field is in constant change, and new technologies and methodologies are emerging. It's important to continuously learn and adapt to keep up with the changes and advancements in the field.