Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems that are capable of performing tasks which typically require human intelligence. These tasks include understanding natural language, recognizing patterns and images, making decisions, and solving problems. AI systems are designed to learn from data, allowing them to improve their performance over time. They can be used in a wide range of applications, from virtual assistants and chatbots that understand and respond to human speech, to sophisticated algorithms that analyze data to predict trends, diagnose diseases, or drive autonomous vehicles. The goal of AI is not just to mimic human intelligence but to augment it, providing tools that can enhance our abilities and help us to tackle complex challenges more effectively.