Creating vectors

Before understanding Vectors, let's focus on what is a point. A point is just a set of numbers. This set of numbers or coordinates defines the point's position in space. The numbers of coordinates determine dimensions of the space.

We can visualize space with up to three dimensions. Space with more than three dimensions is called hyperspace. Let's put this spatial metaphor to use.

Let's start with a person. A person has the following dimensions:

• Weight

• Height

• Age

We are working in three-dimensional space here. Thus, the interpretation of point (160,69,24) would be 160 lb weight, 69 inches height, and 24 years age.

Note

Points and vectors are same thing. Dimensions in vectors are called features. In another way, we can define a feature as an individual measurable property of a phenomenon being observed.

Spark has local vectors and matrices and also distributed matrices. Distributed matrix is backed by one or more RDDs. A local vector has numeric indices and double values, and is stored...