If you’re just starting to explore artificial intelligence (AI), especially machine learning and neural networks, you’ll come across terms like vector space, encoders, CNNs, and transformers. Let’s break them down in simple language.
1. What is a Vector Space?
Imagine a world where everything can be represented as numbers. For example, the word “cat” doesn’t stay as text — it becomes a point in a multi-dimensional space made of numbers. This is called a vector space.
In this space, similar things are placed close together. So if you have two similar images or words, their points (vectors) will be near each other. This helps machines understand how different pieces of data relate to one another.
2. What Are Encoders?
An encoder is part of an AI model that turns data — like text, images, or sound — into vectors. These numerical representations allow the model to process and understand information.
Different types of data need different encoders. For example, images and text are structured very differently, so they require different tools to convert them into usable formats.
3. What Is a CNN (Convolutional Neural Network)?
A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is a type of neural network designed specifically for working with images.
Think of it as a system that scans small parts of an image at a time, detecting edges, colors, and shapes. As it goes deeper into the layers, it starts recognizing more complex patterns — from lines and corners to full objects like eyes or car wheels.
4. What Are Transformers?
Transformers are modern neural networks built for processing sequences of data — like sentences. They’re great at understanding how words relate to each other, even when they’re far apart in a sentence.
This ability to track context makes transformers extremely powerful. They power large language models like GPT and BERT, which are used for chatbots, translation, and content generation.
All these components work together to build multimodal models — AI systems that can understand and connect different types of data, such as text, images, and video.
