In Knowledge Discovery, machine learning is most commonly used to mean the application of induction algorithms, which is one step in the knowledge discovery process. This is similar to the definition of empirical learning or inductive learning in Readings in Machine Learning by Shavlik and Dietterich. Note that in their definition, training examples are ``externally supplied,'' whereas here they are assumed to be supplied by a previous stage of the knowledge discovery process. Machine Learning is the field of scientific study that concentrates on induction algorithms and on other algorithms that can be said to ``learn.''
Sub-speciality of artificial intelligence concerned with developing methods for software to learn from experience, or to extract knowledge from examples in a database. See also: Artificial intelligence, Knowledge acquisition.
The part of Artificial Intelligence concerned with giving computers the ability to recognize patterns and make predictions based on experience. Also known as Computer Learning.
The process by which computer systems can be directed to improve their performance over time. Examples are neural networks and genetic algorithms.