> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://smartpredict.gitbook.io/smartpredict-ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://smartpredict.gitbook.io/smartpredict-ai/platform_overview/prerequisites.md).
# Prerequisites
This page discusses about the preparation and prerequisites needed beforehand to have the best start in modeling with SmartPredict.
## :books: Prior knowledge
Before starting to model, we need to acquire a few basics .
Some notions in **data analytics**, **reporting** and **interpretation** are needed. That said, since SmartPredict is so easy to use, advanced proficiency in those fields is in no way compulsory. Thanks to its intuitive handling, **even beginners in machine learning** **can utilize it** very well.
Prior knowledge of **Python** language is necessary if you want to extend your project capacities with some specific functions by creating **custom modules** for instance or using the SmartPredict' s Notebook for fully or partially coded projects. 
{% hint style="info" %}
As it is an online platform, there is **no special hardware nor software requirements** . However, for a smooth experience , it is always safer to ensure that you have **a good internet connection**.
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### :vertical\_traffic\_light: Modeling basics
**Modeling a machine learning project can be overwhelming without the right method, tools and process arrangement.**
As you surely know, there are **4 great stages** involved in the task of ML modeling, simply stated:
1. **Data processing (including pipeline processing)**
2. **Model building, training, and fine tuning**
3. **Model deployment**
4. **and Model testing.**
The user needs thus to **acquire a few Machine Learning basics** in advance . This is especially relevant for the **choice of the appropriate algorithms and methods** applied to a particular kind of project.
Anyway, **tooltips are there to accompany the user** with straightforward instructions, so there is no major need to worry about.
Happy modeling for all with [**SmartPredict**](https://app.smartpredict.ai/u/projects) 
!