Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the branch of computer science that focuses on creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks may include problem-solving, learning, reasoning, understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, and making decisions. AI can be classified into two main categories: narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks (like facial recognition or language translation), and general AI, which aims to perform any intellectual task a human can do.

AI technologies utilize a variety of methods and algorithms, including Machine Learning, Deep Learning, neural networks, and natural language processing. Machine Learning, a subset of AI, allows systems to learn from data and improve their performance over time without explicit programming. Deep Learning, an advanced form of Machine Learning, utilizes neural networks with many layers to process vast amounts of data, enabling the system to recognize complex patterns.

The applications of AI are vast and include areas such as healthcare, finance, autonomous vehicles, customer service, gaming, and many more. As AI continues to evolve, it raises ethical and societal questions concerning job displacement, privacy, and the potential for misuse. Overall, AI represents a significant technological advancement, transforming various industries and everyday life.