Data: The Fuel for A.I.
A.I. runs on data. Learn what data is and why its quality matters so much.
1. What counts as data?
Data is any information a computer can store and analyze: numbers, words, photos, audio, videos, clicks, and more. A large organized collection of data is called a dataset.
2. Finding patterns
A.I. analyzes huge amounts of data to find patterns — relationships that repeat. For example, an A.I. might notice that people who like one song often like a certain other song.
3. Algorithms
An algorithm is a step-by-step set of instructions. A.I. uses algorithms to sort through data, spot patterns, and decide what to do next.
4. Garbage in, garbage out
If the data is inaccurate, incomplete, or unbalanced, the A.I. will learn the wrong lessons. Computer scientists call this "garbage in, garbage out." High-quality data leads to better A.I.
Field Vocabulary
A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or completing a task.
Facts and information — numbers, text, images, or sounds — that a computer can store and analyze.
A large, organized collection of data used to train or test an A.I.
A trend or relationship that repeats in data.