Dense Layer vs. Convolutional Layer

Dense Layer vs. Convolutional Layer

Dense Layer (Fully Connected Layer)

• Purpose: Used for learning global patterns in input data by connecting every neuron to all activations from the previous layer.
• Input Shape: Flattened 1D vectors (e.g., (batch_size, features)).
• Operation: Computes output = activation(dot(input, weights) + bias).
• Use Case: Common in final layers of classification networks (e.g., MLPs).

from tensorflow.keras.layers import Dense  
dense_layer = Dense(units=64, activation='relu')  

Convolutional Layer (Conv2D)

• Purpose: Captures local spatial patterns (e.g., edges, textures) via sliding filters/kernels over input.
• Input Shape: 3D/4D tensors (