What is a neural network in the context of AI?

A neural network in the context of AI refers to an artificial intelligence system that is modeled after the structure and functionality of the human brain. This approach allows the network to process complex data inputs in a way that mimics the way humans learn and make decisions.

Neural networks consist of layers of interconnected nodes or "neurons" that work together to identify patterns and relationships in data. They are particularly effective for tasks such as image and speech recognition, natural language processing, and other applications where traditional programming might struggle to account for the complexity and variability of input data.

By drawing inspiration from biological neural networks, these AI systems leverage techniques such as backpropagation and gradient descent to adjust their internal parameters during training, leading to improved performance over time. This adaptability is a key reason why neural networks are a fundamental component of many modern AI applications.