Neural Network

A neural network is a computing system loosely inspired by biological neural networks in the brain, consisting of layers of interconnected nodes where each connection carries a weight adjusted during training. Data flows through an input layer, passes through one or more hidden layers where transformations occur, and produces results at an output layer.

Training involves feeding labeled data through the network, comparing output against expected results, and adjusting weights through backpropagation to minimize error. Deep neural networks with many hidden layers are the foundation of modern AI including image recognition, natural language processing, speech synthesis, and recommendation systems. For web developers, neural networks power the AI APIs and services increasingly integrated into applications, from image classification endpoints to language model APIs. Understanding the basic architecture helps developers make better decisions about which AI services to use and how to interpret their outputs and limitations.