Definition
Machine learning
Machine learning is a branch of AI where a system improves or configures behavior from data rather than from only hand-written rules. The model learns statistical patterns during training, then applies those patterns to new inputs during inference.
Last updated: 25 June 2026
Why it matters
It explains why data quality, monitoring, and drift matter long after a tool is launched.
Signals to watch
- Training data exists
- Patterns are learned statistically
- Performance changes when data changes