The MNIST dataset has become an almost canonical neural network dataset. This dataset consists of images of 60,000 handwritten digits, belonging to 10 classes representing their respective digit (0,1,2...9). Because this dataset has become so common, many deep learning frameworks come with an MNIST loading method built into the API. Both TensorFlow and Keras have one, and we will be using the Keras MNIST loader to make our lives a little easier. However, should you want to obtain the data from its original source, or perhaps learn more about MNIST's history, you can find more at http://yann.lecun.com/exdb/mnist/.