Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science focused on creating systems and machines that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence. This includes processes such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and understanding natural language. AI systems are designed to analyze data, recognize patterns, and make decisions or predictions based on that information.

There are two primary types of AI: narrow AI and general AI. Narrow AI, or weak AI, is specialized for specific tasks, such as virtual assistants like Siri or autonomous vehicles. In contrast, general AI, or strong AI, refers to a hypothetical system that possesses the ability to understand and reason across a wide range of tasks as a human would.

AI technologies involve various methods, including Machine Learning, where algorithms are trained on data to improve their performance over time, and Deep Learning, which utilizes neural networks to process complex data inputs like images and speech. The applications of AI are vast, encompassing fields such as healthcare, finance, education, and entertainment, and it continues to evolve rapidly, raising both opportunities and ethical considerations for society.