Deep Learning

AI concepts
About 1 min read

A branch of machine learning that learns complex, non-linear relationships in data through multi-layered artificial neural networks. It automatically extracts features from data and serves as a core technology in fields requiring high cognitive abilities, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and generative AI.

Also known as
Deep LearningDeep learning

Detailed explanation

Deep learning is a technology that learns patterns from vast amounts of data by stacking deep layers of artificial neural networks (ANNs) modeled after the neural structure of the human brain. Unlike traditional machine learning, it enables 'feature learning' where the neural network learns abstract representations of data step-by-step (layer-by-layer) without humans having to manually define features. Recently, it has become the foundation of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Diffusion Models based on the Transformer architecture, leading the era of generative AI. To achieve high accuracy, large-scale datasets and high-performance computing resources such as GPUs/NPUs are essential.

Why It Matters in Tool Selection

You should decide whether to adopt deep learning based on the complexity of the problem you want to solve. While traditional machine learning might be more efficient for simple predictions based on structured data, deep learning-based tools are essential for analyzing images, voice, unstructured text, or generating creative content. In addition, deeper models incur higher costs for high-performance hardware, making it a key criterion for balancing budget and performance.

What to Check

  • Is the problem you are trying to solve based on unstructured data such as images or language?
  • Do you have the necessary GPU/NPU resources secured for model training or inference?
  • Is a large-scale, high-quality dataset prepared for training?
  • Is real-time response (low latency) critical, or is accuracy the top priority?

Examples

A smartphone's Face ID recognizes a user's facial features through deep learning, and ChatGPT generates human-like sentences using a deep learning model with billions of parameters.

Confusing Terms

Machine Learning

A broader concept that includes deep learning, encompassing algorithms that manually extract features.

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN)

Refers to the underlying structure itself that forms the foundation of deep learning; deep learning is when these structures are stacked in multiple layers.

Related terms

Machine LearningTransformerGenerative AI