10 AI terms everyone should know

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has quietly become part of everyday life, from search engines and email writing tools to learning apps and workplace software. Yet for many beginners, understanding AI feels overwhelming, not because the technology is inaccessible, but because the terminology can be confusing. Once the core vocabulary is clear, AI becomes far easier to understand and use effectively. 

Here are 10 terms every beginner should know.

1. Algorithm
It is a set of step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to complete a task. In AI, algorithms help systems identify patterns, make predictions, and generate responses, forming the backbone of intelligent decision-making.

2. Context Window
It refers to how much information an AI model can remember at one time. When conversations exceed this limit, earlier details may be forgotten, which explains occasional lapses in continuity.

3. Data Training
This is the process through which AI learns by analysing massive amounts of information. The quality and diversity of training data directly affect how accurate and reliable a model becomes.

4. Fine-Tuning
It involves training a general AI model further on specialised data. This helps tailor the system for specific tasks such as customer support, legal research, or medical documentation.

5. Guardrails
These are safety rules built into AI systems to prevent harmful, unethical, or inappropriate outputs. They ensure responsible use and define what an AI can or cannot do.

6. Hallucination
It occurs when an AI produces information that sounds confident but is incorrect. These errors highlight the importance of verifying AI-generated content.

7. Large Language Model (LLM)
A large language model is an AI system designed to understand and generate human language. Tools used for writing, summarising, and answering questions are typically powered by LLMs.

8. Model
The core framework that enables AI to process inputs and generate outputs. Different models are designed for language, images, audio, or recommendations.

9. Prompt
An instruction given to an AI. Clear and specific prompts lead to better, more relevant results, making prompting an essential skill for users.

10. Token
Small units of text that AI uses to read and generate language. Memory limits, speed, and pricing often depend on the number of tokens processed.

Understanding these terms provides a strong foundation for navigating the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence with confidence and clarity.