Introduction

Artificial intelligence is like a helpful assistant constantly at work all around you. From your favourite apps to smart search engines, AI makes your life a lot easier and more efficient.

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, announced in a tweet by Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, a particular branch of AI has become incredibly popular: generative AI.

A screenshot of a tweet from Sam Altman, featuring his profile picture and verified badge. The tweet announces the launch of ChatGPT, inviting users to try interacting with it by visiting the provided link (chat.openai.com). The tweet is timestamped at 8:38 PM on November 30, 2022.

Where ‘regular’ AI mainly recognises patterns and makes predictions, generative AI takes it a step further. This technology can create new content, such as text, images, music, or even videos, based on what it has learned. However, it is also important to understand how AI actually works. Behind all the impressive tools and gadgets lies a world of technology and knowledge. Understanding this background will help you use AI more effectively and better assess both its possibilities and limitations.

In this first chapter, you will test your own AI knowledge, discover what AI really is, and see how this technology has evolved over the years.