How AI works AI Dictionary

Algorithm

A set of step-by-step instructions a computer follows to solve a problem.

Every piece of software runs on algorithms. In AI, the learning algorithm is the method that adjusts a model while it studies training data.

Example

YouTube's recommendation algorithm decides which video appears next for you.

Why it matters to you

When people say “the algorithm”, they usually mean an automated system making choices you don't see directly.

Related terms

Machine LearningThe way most AI learns: by finding patterns in examples instead of following hand-written rules. Training DataThe examples an AI model learns from.