Machine learning, Jim Rutt explains, is the arena of computer science and artificial intelligence focused on the development of algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to perform tasks without explicit human instructions. It's a method by which systems improve their performance by learning from data patterns and inferences. Essentially, it’s about creating programs that can teach themselves to grow and change when exposed to new data. Jim emphasizes that at its core, machine learning is both a practical tool for solving real-world problems and a fundamental mechanism for advancing our understanding of autonomous systems. This harnessing of computational power to discern intricate patterns and make data-driven decisions is what makes machine learning a cornerstone of modern technology.

See also: artificial intelligence, emergence, evolutionary computing, neural network, deep learning