Create a visual lesson
~2 minAI vs. Machine Learning: What's the Difference?
Read the comparison below, or explore it visually. Create a visual lesson comparing artificial intelligence and machine learning using available credits or plan allowance.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are related but not the same. AI is the broad goal of making machines do things that seem intelligent; machine learning is one approach to AI — letting systems learn patterns from data rather than being explicitly programmed for every rule.
At a glance
| Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | The broad field of intelligent machines | A method within AI |
| Scope | Wider — includes ML and more | A subset of AI |
| How it works | Any technique that mimics intelligence | Learns patterns from data |
| Example | A chess engine, a robot, a chatbot | A spam filter that learns from examples |
| Relationship | The umbrella | One of its most powerful tools |
Which should you use?
Artificial Intelligence
Say 'AI' for the broad goal or field — it includes rule-based systems, robotics, planning, and more.
Machine Learning
Say 'machine learning' specifically when a system improves by learning from data, like the models behind recommendations or image recognition.
Frequently asked questions
Is all AI machine learning?
No. Machine learning is one approach to AI, but AI also includes older rule-based and logic systems. Today, though, most cutting-edge AI relies on machine learning.
Is deep learning the same as machine learning?
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses large neural networks. So AI contains machine learning, which in turn contains deep learning.
Which term should I use?
Use 'AI' for the broad idea and 'machine learning' when you specifically mean systems that learn from data. They're often used loosely, but the distinction is real.