Machine Learning

What it is

Machine Learning (ML) is a subset of AI where systems learn patterns from data rather than being explicitly programmed with rules. Instead of telling a computer exactly what to do, you show it examples and let it figure out the patterns. The system improves its performance as it sees more data.

Why it matters

Machine learning powers most modern AI applications, from email spam filters to recommendation systems. When you hear about AI "learning" or "training," it's referring to machine learning. Understanding this helps you grasp why AI systems need data to work and why they sometimes make mistakes on unusual inputs.