Predictive Analytics vs Machine Learning - What's the Difference?

This article clarifies the common confusion between predictive analytics and machine learning. It defines predictive analytics as the principles and methods for making measurement predictions for specific units within a population, focusing on the 'what' and 'why' of prediction. Machine learning is presented as a specific way to implement predictive analytics, providing the 'how' through automated algorithms. The article also notes that before machine learning, humans (especially statisticians) performed predictive analysis manually, but modern large-scale data sets necessitate machine learning for efficiency and scalability. It emphasizes that while related, the two terms are not interchangeable and understanding the distinction is important for proper application in data science and technology.