What are artificial intelligence
and machine learning?
You've probably heard artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) described in a number of
ways, so let's take a step back and review their exact definitions:
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a way to describe any system that can replicate tasks that previously
required human intelligence.
Almost always, this is related to some kind of complex decision-making task where human judgment
would normally be required. Most use cases for AI are looking for a probabilistic outcome—making
predictions, classifications, or decisions with a high degree of certainty and in ways that are similar
to human judgment.
Almost all AI systems today are created using machine learning. Machine learning uses large
amounts of data to create and validate decision logic. This is known as a model. The AI system feeds
input data into that model, and then the model outputs humanlike predictions or classifications.
Essentially, machine learning is the underlying technology that powers intelligent systems.
AI can be created without machine learning, but right now, machine learning is the primary method
for creating AI systems. Similarly, machine learning can be used for more than AI, but right now, the
majority of machine learning is AI-related.
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