That is, given some input variables (input), what is the predicted output variable (output). Those columns that are the inputs are referred to as input variables.

What are columns called in data science?

**Synonyms**: Columns are also called *variables* and *features*. These words sound very fancy, but they’re not; when a data scientist says “variable” or “feature”, she’s just using a fancy word for “column”.

What are variables called in machine learning?

Difference Between Independent and Dependent Variables in Machine Learning. Independent variables (also referred to as Features) are the input for a process that is being analyzes. Dependent variables are the output of the process.