The Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning — AI Foundations #1

If you’ve ever used a spam filter, talked to Siri, or watched Netflix recommend your next binge-worthy show, you’ve encountered artificial intelligence (AI) in action. But what exactly makes these systems “intelligent,” and how do they learn? Let’s pull back the curtain on the fascinating world of AI and Machine Learning (ML).

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The Building Blocks: AI vs. ML

#AI vs ML

Picture AI as a towering skyscraper, with Machine Learning as one of its most important floors. While AI encompasses the broader goal of creating “intelligent” machines that can mimic human cognitive functions, ML is the engine that powers much of modern AI’s success.

Machine Learning, at its core, is about teaching computers to learn from experience (data) rather than following explicit programming instructions. Instead of writing rules like “if email contains ‘winning lottery,’ mark as spam,” ML systems learn these patterns automatically from examples.

The Fuel That Powers ML: Understanding Datasets

#Datasets

Imagine trying to teach a child what a cat looks like. You’d show them many pictures of cats — different colors, sizes, and…