Artificial intelligence (AI) is a transformative field within computer science focused on developing machines that simulate human-like intelligence. By employing complex algorithms and large datasets, AI systems can perform tasks such as language understanding, pattern recognition, problem-solving, and decision-making. These systems continuously learn from new data, adapting to improve their performance over time.

AI is typically categorized into two main types. Narrow AI, or Weak AI, is designed to handle specific tasks, like voice recognition or search engine recommendations. It excels within its domain but lacks broader understanding. General AI, or Strong AI, is a theoretical concept where a machine would possess the capability to perform any intellectual task a human could do, with reasoning, problem-solving, and adaptation across various contexts. While general AI remains largely theoretical, narrow AI is already widely used in fields such as healthcare, finance, and entertainment, reshaping industries and enhancing productivity.

Machine learning, a subset of AI, uses statistical techniques to enable machines to improve with experience, relying on data rather than explicit programming. Deep learning, a more advanced form of machine learning, uses neural networks with multiple layers to analyze data in more complex ways, especially in image and speech recognition. With ongoing advancements, AI has the potential to impact virtually every industry and redefine the future of work and daily life, while also raising ethical questions around privacy, job displacement, and decision-making transparency.