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* What is deep learning?
What is deep learning?
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Updated  April 15, 2026•*7*-minute read
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What is deep learning?Applications for deep learningHow is deep learning connected to machine learning?Considerations for bias and varianceBenefits of deep learning in the cloudHow Red Hat can help
What is deep learning?
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Deep learning is an [artificial intelligence](/en/topics/ai) (AI) technique that teaches computers to process data using an algorithm inspired by the human brain.
Deep learning uses artificial intelligence and [machine learning](/en/topics/ai/what-is-machine-learning) (AI/ML) to help data scientists collect, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data. The process of deep learning, also known as deep neural learning or deep neural networking, teaches computers to learn through observation, imitating the way humans gain knowledge.
The human brain contains many interconnected neurons, which act as information messengers when the brain is processing information (or data). These neurons use electrical impulses and chemical signals to communicate with one another and transmit information between different areas of the brain.
Artificial neural networks (ANNs)--the underlying architecture behind deep learning–are based on this biological phenomenon but formed by artificial neurons that are made from software modules called nodes. These nodes use mathematical calculations (instead of chemical signals as in the brain) to communicate and transmit information. This simulated neural network (SNN) processes data by clustering data points and making predictions.
It may help to think of deep learning as a type of flow chart, starting with an input layer and ending with an output layer. Sandwiched between these two layers are the “hidden layers” which process information at different levels, adjusting and adapting their behavior as they continuously receive new data. Deep learning models can have hundreds of hidden layers, each of which plays a part in discovering relationships and patterns within the data set.
Starting with the input layer, which is composed of several nodes, data is introduced to the model and categorized accordingly before it’s moved forward to the next layer. The path that the data takes through each layer is based upon the calculations set in place for each node. Eventually, the data moves through each layer, picking up observations along the way that ultimately create the output, or final analysis, of the data.
[Explore Red Hat AI](/en/products/ai "AI from Red Hat")
Applications for deep learning
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Applications that utilize deep learning are already integrated into our daily lives and have uses in many different industries. [generative AI](/en/topics/ai/what-is-generative-ai), which now powers many AI tools, is made possible through deep learning.
The use cases for deep learning are forever evolving, but 3 of the most popular technologies being utilized today are computer vision, speech recognition, and natural language processing (NLP).
* **Computer vision:** Computers can use deep learning techniques to comprehend images the same way humans do. This means automated content moderation, facial recognition, and image classification.
* **Speech recognition:** Pitch, tone, language, and accent can all be analyzed and by way of deep learning models. Not only can this be used to improve customer experience, but it is also helpful from an accessibility standpoint in cases that require real-time transcription.
* **Natural language processing (NLP):** Computers use deep learning algorithms to analyze and gather insights from text data and documents. This can aid in the function of summarizing long documents, indexing key phrases that indicate sentiment (such as positive or negative comments), and generating insight for automated virtual assistants and chatbots. NLP is the broader field that encompasses the development and application of [large language models (LLMs)](/en/topics/ai/what-are-large-language-models) to understand and generate human language.
  [Find out how Mixture of Experts (MoE) models use deep learning to speed up AI inference.](/en/topics/ai/mixture-of-experts)
Some examples of how industries are utilizing deep learning principles include the following:
* **Customer Service:** Chatbots, virtual assistants, and dial-in customer service portals utilize tools like speech recognition.
* **Financial services:** Predictive analytics drive the algorithmic trading of stocks, assess business risks for loan approvals, detect fraud, and help manage credit and investment portfolios.
* **Healthcare:** With the digitization of healthcare records, image recognition applications can support medical imaging specialists by learning to automatically detect red flags that indicate a potential medical diagnosis.
* **Media and Entertainment:** From online shopping to media streaming services, deep learning is being used to track user activity and develop personalized recommendations.
* **Industrial automation:** In factories and warehouses, deep learning applications can automatically detect when people or objects are within an unsafe distance of machines, or can assist with quality control or predictive maintenance.
* **Self-driving cars:** Automotive researchers use deep learning to train cars to detect objects like stop signs, traffic lights, crosswalks, and pedestrians.
* **Law enforcement:** Speech recognition, computer vision, and natural language processing (NLP) can save time and resources by aiding in the analysis of large amounts of data.
* **Aerospace and Military:** Those monitoring large geographic areas can use deep learning to detect objects, identify areas of interest from afar, and verify safe or unsafe zones for troops.
[Explore AI/ML use cases](/en/topics/ai/ai-ml-use-cases)
Red Hat resources
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How is deep learning connected to machine learning?
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Deep learning is a specialized form of machine learning and differentiates itself by the type of data it works with and the methods in which it learns.
Classical machine learning algorithms require some human intervention by way of pre-processing data sets before they’re introduced to the model. This means that specific features are defined and labeled from the input data then organized into tables before being introduced to the machine learning model. Conversely, deep learning algorithms don’t require this same level of pre-processing and are able to comprehend unstructured data such as text documents, images of pixel data, or files of audio data.
Deep learning may be preferred to classical machine learning in instances where there is a large amount of data, a lack of background knowledge regarding the subject, or when there is a complex and time-consuming task at hand.
[See how Red Hat OpenShift supports machine learning operations](/en/resources/mlops-architecture-openshift-infographic)
Considerations for bias and variance
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We know that deep learning works by utilizing a structure of nodes that communicate with one another within an artificial neural network. To create an ANN, calculations and parameters must be introduced to the model alongside the data we give it, and precautions must be taken to ensure that these calculations account for bias and variance.
In the context of machine learning, bias refers to the extent to which your model is making assumptions or generalizations about the data in order to make the target function easier to learn. High bias means that the model is simplifying and creating shortcuts (to a fault) as it processes information.
Variance refers to the measurement of how far each data point is from the mean, or the statistical measurement of the spread between numbers in a data set. In opposition to bias, variance refers to how sensitive a model is to the training data. High variance (or sensitivity) means that the model is paying too much attention to detail and missing the underlying patterns in the dataset.
In supervised learning, when variance is too high and bias is too low, it’s called overfitting. When bias is high and variance is low, it’s called underfitting. Creating the perfect fit can be difficult, and this phenomenon is commonly referred to as the bias-variance tradeoff.
Parameters define boundaries, and boundaries are critical for making sense of the enormous amount of data that deep learning algorithms must process. This means that often, overfitting and underfitting can be corrected by using fewer or more parameters, respectively.
### Accounting for human related bias
If a deep learning model is trained on data that is statistically biased, or doesn’t provide an accurate representation of the population, the output can be flawed. Unfortunately, existing human bias is often transferred to artificial intelligence, thus creating risk for discriminatory algorithms and bias outputs.
As organizations continue to leverage AI for improved productivity and performance, it’s critical that strategies are put in place to minimize bias. This begins with inclusive design processes and a more thoughtful consideration of representative diversity within the collected data.
### What is a black box?
“Black box” refers to when an AI program performs a task within its neural network and doesn’t show its work. This creates a scenario where no one–including the data scientists and engineers who created the algorithm–is able to explain exactly how the model arrived at a specific output. The lack of interpretability in black box models can create harmful consequences when used for high-stakes decision making, especially in industries like healthcare, criminal justice, or finance.
To make black boxes more understandable, [explainable AI (XAI)](/en/topics/ai/what-explainable-ai)techniques can be applied throughout the machine learning lifecycle. Explainable AI should be able to demonstrate its competencies and understandings; explain its past actions, ongoing processes and upcoming steps; and cite any relevant information on which its actions are based. In short, explainable AI encourages AI systems to “show their work.”
[Learn more about explainable AI](/en/topics/ai/what-explainable-ai)
What are the benefits of deep learning in the cloud?
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### Training and development
Deep learning models are able to perform more complex computing tasks without human intervention, but this means that they require more processing power, sufficient infrastructure, and larger sets of training data. Cloud computing allows teams to access multiple processors at once, such as clusters of GPUs (graphic processing units) and CPUs (central processing units), which creates an ideal environment for complex mathematical operations to be performed.
By designing, developing, and training deep learning models on the cloud, dev teams can scale and distribute workloads with speed and accuracy, while simultaneously cutting down on operating costs.
[Connect models to data and agents with Red Hat AI](/en/products/ai/connecting-models-to-data)
### Inference and deployment
Once the model is trained, it enters the [inference](/en/topics/ai/what-is-ai-inference) phase. At this point, the deep learning model can process live data to make real-time predictions. This is when an [inference server](/en/products/ai/inference) becomes critical. Running within the cloud infrastructure, an inference server acts as a bridge between hardware and the user-facing application. Its role is to optimize the model by managing resource requests and making sure processing happens as quickly as possible.
A leading tool in this space is [vLLM.](/en/topics/ai/what-is-vllm)vLLM is a memory-efficient inference server and engine, designed to improve the speed and processing power of large language models in a hybrid cloud setting.
[Learn more about vLLM](/en/topics/ai/what-is-vllm)
### Deep learning and machine learning on the edge
Working on the cloud opens up possibilities for machine learning on the edge. By establishing edge computing hubs connected to public cloud resources, information can be captured and analyzed in real time to assist in operations ranging from supply chain status updates to information on disaster evacuation sites.
How Red Hat can help
--------------------
[Red Hat® AI](/en/products/ai) is built for fast, flexible, and efficient inference through its [vLLM-powered](/en/topics/ai/what-is-vllm) server. It reliably connects models to your data to unify the customization and development of specialized agents on a single platform. Built on an open source foundation, our products give you full control of AI workflows from end-to-end at any scale.
The Red Hat AI portfolio includes [Red Hat AI Enterprise](/en/products/ai/enterprise), a platform for deploying, managing, and scaling AI inference, agentic AI workflows, and AI-powered applications on any infrastructure.
[Explore Red Hat AI](https://www.redhat.com/en/products/ai)
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------------
### What is agentic AI?
Agentic AI is a software system designed to interact with data and tools in a way that requires minimal human intervention.
[Read the article](/en/topics/ai/what-is-agentic-ai "article | What is agentic AI?")
### What is generative AI?
Generative AI is a kind of artificial intelligence technology that relies on deep learning models trained on large data sets to create new content.
[Read the article](/en/topics/ai/what-is-generative-ai "article | what is generative ai?")
### What are large language models?
A large language model (LLM) is a type of artificial intelligence that uses machine learning techniques to understand and generate human language.
[Read the article](/en/topics/ai/what-are-large-language-models "article | What are large language models?")
Artificial intelligence resources
---------------------------------
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