Explaining Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning
Image credit NASA1
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning are frequently misused buzzwords that see a lot of action these days.
In this article I will break down the differences between these three different fields in computer science.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that creates systems and software capable of tasks once thought to be uniquely human1. These include tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, creation, decision making, etc2.
Machine Learning
Machine learning (ML) is a subset of AI that deals with the development of algorithms that enable computers to “learn” patterns in training data and make accurate inferences about new data3.
A machine learning algorithm is improved through a process called training. During training, a machine learning algorithm is given data as input and its output is compared with what the output is expected to be. The algorithm is then adjusted to make a better prediction next time.
If the machine learning algorithm is trained with enough example data, it can “learn” to make accurate predictions on data it has not seen before.
Deep Learning
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses artificial neural networks (ANNs) which mimic the human brain to “learn” patterns in training data4.
Artificial neural networks are based around how neuron behave in the brain. A neuron is the primary cell in the nervous system which creates and propagates electric signals through the body. These signals are passed through a network of billions of neurons throughout the body to control nearly everything about how the body works5.
| Neuron | Artificial Neuron |
|---|---|
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| Image credit Wikipedia6 | Image credit Wikipedia7 |
The idea behind deep learning was to create intelligence by mimicking how the nervous system works. Artificial neurons are arranged into “neural networks” with artificial neurons arranged into multiple layers, hence the term deep, and are trained to exhibit intelligence.
Modern deep learning functions as a complex mathematical system for identifying patterns in data.
| Artificial Neural Network |
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| Image credit Wikipedia8 |
Summary
Artificial intelligence is an umbrella term for computers mimicking human intelligence. Machine learning extends that to create algorithms which can allow a computer to “learn” from data provided to it. Finally, deep learning introduces the idea of an artificial neural network to learn complex patterns in data by taking inspiration from biology.
Thank you for reading my article. I will be producing more articles from my own studies of deep learning.
