What is the difference between data normalization and standardization?

What is the difference between data normalization and standardization?

Data normalization scales the data to a range, usually 0 to 1, while standardization scales it to have a mean of 0 and a standard deviation of 1.

When should I use normalization instead of standardization?

Normalization is preferred when you want to ensure that all features contribute equally to the distance calculations, especially in algorithms like KNN.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use normalization for image pixel values and standardization for features in a dataset with different units, like height and weight.

Are there any drawbacks to either method?

Yes, normalization can distort data if outliers are present, while standardization assumes a normal distribution, which may not always be the case.