Deep Learning

Definition

Deep Learning is a subfield of machine learning that mimics the human brain in processing data for use in decision making. It uses artificial neural networks with many layers (hence the 'deep') to learn and make intelligent decisions.

Explain Like I'm 5

Imagine you're trying to recognize animals. First, you notice simple things like color and size, then more complex features like fur or feathers, and finally, you can identify the animal. Deep learning works in a similar way - it starts by learning simple features and then combines them to understand more complex concepts.

Visualization

Deep Learning

Digging Deeper

Deep learning, also known as deep structured learning or hierarchical learning, is part of a broader family of machine learning methods based on artificial neural networks with representation learning. "Deep" refers to the number of layers through which the data is transformed in these networks. More layers allow for more complex features to be learned from the data. For example, in image recognition, lower layers may identify edges, while higher layers may identify the concepts relevant to a human such as digits or letters or faces.

Each layer of neurons needs input data to learn from. They get this input from a previous layer’s output—this is what makes it a deep network: the input layer receives raw pixel data and each subsequent layer receives feature information from the preceding layer(s).

Applications

Learn More

Wikipedia: Deep Learning

Beginner-friendly video: What is Deep Learning?

In-depth technical resource: Deep Learning Book

AI and Machine Learning Index