Should I Learn Machine Learning? An Intro for Beginners iD Tech

The algorithms that form the heart of machine learning have been around for decades, but computers have only recently reached the level of processing power needed to use the techniques in practical scenarios. AI programs today can learn to identify objects in images and video, translate between languages, and even master arcade and board games. In some cases, like DeepMind's AlphaGo program, the AI even exceeds top humans at its task. Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the field of emulating intelligence in general--anything from making a convincing opponent in a video game to an automated chatbot. Machine learning is one of the biggest fields within AI, and refers only to AI programs that are designed to learn and improve at their tasks with minimal outside input from the programmer.