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What is Deep learning?
Short answer
Deep learning is a kind of machine learning that uses neural networks with many layers to learn complex patterns.
- Category Models
- Updated 20 Oct 2026
Deep learning, explained simply
Each layer learns something a bit more detailed. In a photo, early layers may spot edges and later layers spot faces.
Deep learning needs a lot of data and computer power. In return it handles images, speech and language very well.
Chatbots, photo filters and voice assistants all rely on deep learning.
On ITG Now, our AI research page and news stories often cover deep learning work in plain words.
Related terms
Neural networkMachine learningTransformerGPUTraining
Questions people ask about Deep learning
Is deep learning the same as machine learning?
Deep learning is a part of machine learning. It uses big neural networks.
Why does deep learning need GPUs?
GPUs can do many small calculations at once, which speeds up training a lot.