Azure Data Scientists Associate Practice Exam

What is the purpose of the init function in a scoring script?

1. To initialize the model environment.

2. To process input data.

3. To perform data validation.

4. To return the results of predictions.

The correct answer is: To initialize the model environment.

The init function in a scoring script serves the purpose of initializing the model environment. This initialization typically involves loading the trained model from storage into memory, setting up any necessary configurations, and preparing resources required for making predictions. By performing these tasks in the init function, the model becomes readily available for use when predictions are requested. This enhances the efficiency of the scoring process, since the heavy lifting—like loading the model—occurs once, rather than every time a prediction is made. The other options focus on tasks that take place after the environment is set up. Processing input data occurs during the scoring phase after initialization, data validation ensures that the input meets certain criteria before predictions are generated, and returning results of predictions is the final step in the scoring function. However, none of these tasks are purposes of the init function itself, which is solely focused on preparing the environment for subsequent actions.