AI Glossary

Classification

Classification is a machine learning task where an AI system places information into predefined categories based on patterns learned from data.

Overview

Classification is a type of machine learning task where an AI system places information into predefined categories.

Rather than predicting a number, the model predicts which category something belongs to.

For example, a model may classify emails as spam or not spam, transactions as fraudulent or legitimate, or images as containing a dog or a cat.

The model learns from examples and then applies that knowledge to new information it has not seen before.

Many real-world AI systems rely on classification.

It helps organizations automate decisions, organize information, detect risks, and improve efficiency.

Classification is one of the most common applications of machine learning.

An email provider uses classification to automatically determine whether incoming messages should be placed in the inbox or spam folder.