Deep Learning
A type of machine learning that uses layered neural networks to learn complex patterns — the foundation of modern AI.
In plain English
Deep learning is a subfield of machine learning built on artificial neural networks with many layers (hence "deep"). It's the core technology behind essentially every modern AI breakthrough — from image recognition to ChatGPT.
What makes it different: Traditional machine learning required engineers to hand-craft features (e.g., "edges" or "shapes" for image recognition). Deep learning models learn the features themselves directly from raw data, given enough data and compute.
Common architectures:
- CNNs — convolutional networks for images
- RNNs / LSTMs — for sequential data (older approach)
- Transformers — the architecture behind LLMs and most modern AI
Why "deep" matters: Each layer learns progressively more abstract patterns — early layers detect edges, deeper layers detect shapes, then objects, then concepts. The depth is what gives the model its power.