Most so-called AI software is based on machine learning. When comparing conventional software with machine learning software, note the following: To make conventional software each step must be programmed to create a specific software product (step-by-step). On the other hand, to make machine learning software, relevant data must be collected. This is used to “train” the software. After this training, the software can be used. No step-by-step programming is required. Either type of software generally requires a lot of effort to produce, but the skill set needed is different.
That is what machine learning is, now for what machine learning is not. It is not software that “learns” in the sense the term is normally used. Software can be written so it changes its behavior over time in response to input, however that is not necessarily true of machine learning software. And in any case no software is as good at learning as a typical human.
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