Artificial Intelligence Essentials You Always Wanted to Know

1 Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
1.1 Evolution of AI
1.2 Latest Trends in AI
1.3 AI Applications in Business
1.4 The Future of AI: A World of Possibilities
Chapter Summary
Quiz

2 Fundamentals of AI
2.1 Problem-Solving Journey Using AI
2.2 Supervised, Unsupervised, and Reinforcement Learning
2.3 AI Techniques
2.4 How to Build and Train an AI Model
Chapter Summary
Quiz

3 Machine Learning Techniques
3.1 Regression
3.2 Classification
3.3 Clustering
3.4 Key ML Algorithms and When to Use Them
3.5 Application of Machine Learning Algorithms
Chapter Summary
Quiz

4 Deep Learning
4.1 Introduction to Deep Learning (DL)
4.2 Neural Networks
4.3 Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
4.4 Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs)
4.5 Why is Deep Learning Becoming So Popular?
4.6 Challenges in Deep Learning
4.7 Application of Deep Learning Algorithms
Chapter Summary
Quiz

5 Natural Language Processing (NLP)
5.1 Fundamentals of NLP
5.2 NLP Project Pipeline
5.3 Transformers
5.4 Applications of NLP
Chapter Summary
Quiz

6 Computer Vision (CV)
6.1 Introduction and Evolution of Computer Vision
6.2 Key Components of Computer Vision
6.3 Object Detection
6.4 Image Generation: Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
6.5 Computer Vision Libraries
6.6 Applications of Computer Vision
Chapter Summary
Quiz

7 Generative AI
7.1 Introduction to Generative AI
7.2 Evolution of Generative AI
7.3 The Current Generative AI Landscape
7.4 Prompt Engineering
7.5 Large Language Models (LLMs)
7.6 Real-World Applications of GenAI
7.7 Conclusion
Chapter Summary

8 Ethical AI
8.1 Introduction to Ethical AI
8.2 Bias in AI
8.3 Transparency and Explainability
8.4 Governance in AI
8.5 Designing Ethical AI Systems
8.6 Conclusion
Chapter Summary

References
Glossary"

Karthik Chandrakant is a TEDx speaker and AI leader with 13+ years at Amazon and Mu Sigma, known for demystifying AI and mentoring future innovators.

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The author breaks down complex architectures into actionable insights, making it the perfect guide for both beginners and experts. A must-read for any professional working in the AI space looking to stay at the forefront of language model innovation.
-- Mani Garlapati, Sr. Technical Program Manager, Google

This works as an excellent textbook, moving up the ladder of complexity of concepts necessary for anybody wanting to be an AI Engineer. The real-life examples at the end of each section are a must read.
-- Kalpit Bhawalkar, Head of AI, Konverge AI

This book offers a systematic, instructor-ready framework that prepares students for meaningful AI use in professional settings. By grounding instruction in concrete examples, relevant conceptual distinctions, and applied decision-making frameworks, it avoids surface-level tool training and instead cultivates disciplined and principled thinking. The result is a learning experience that enables instructors to teach with intention and students to develop the practical, ethical competence required to embed AI responsibly into real business workflows.
-- Karl R. LaPan
Director, UF Innovate | Accelerate
The University of Florida

Some technology books feel like they are sprinting ahead, scattering jargon and assume you will keep up. This book doesn’t. It slows down. It feels like it was written by someone who remembers what it is like to be curious before being confident.There is no pressure to already understand AI. The author begins with the questions people usually ask–What is AI actually doing? Why does it matter? Where does human thinking end and machine learning begin? As a book lover, I appreciated that. I don’t want to be impressed by complexity; I want to be invited to understand it. The explanations are calm and clear. Concepts like machine learning and neural networks don’t feel like paths you are guided along. You are never made to feel behind for not knowing something already. Instead, understanding builds quietly, until words that once felt intimidating start to feel familiar.What stayed with me most is how human the book feels. AI isn’t treated as a cold, distant force but as something shaped by human choices, data and values. The reminder running through the book is simple and lasting; AI reflects us. This isn’t a book you rush through. I paused often, not from confusion, but from thought, noticing how deeply AI has already woven itself into daily life. That is what good books do, they follow you beyond the pages.It is not a technical manual, and it won’t turn you into an engineer or an expert. But if you want to understand before specializing, this book offers a steady, welcome foundation.By the end, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I felt clearer, calmer and more curious. For a subject as vast and fast-moving as artificial intelligence, that is a quiet achievement.
-- Himsekha Rai, NetGalley Reviewer

This book is good for those interested in AI regardless of their level of understanding.

I learned the history, how the concept was developed. I learned about the vast amounts of data required and about the various ways of organizing and interpreting data for productive use. I appreciate the practical examples, such as how email programs identify spam and how visual recognition programs work. As the programs advanced, examples of how programs recognize and interpret human speech are given and how generative programs can create text and images.

I also learned that the programs can make mistakes with a few examples given. The latest programs available are listed with suggestions for use depending on what an individual wants to do with it. The ethical issues are also covered, giving examples of how the programs can be used to deceive people.

This is a very interesting book, much of it understandable by people not involved in programming.
-- Joan Nienhuis, Reviewer, Book Reviews from an Avid Reader

I really enjoyed Artificial Intelligence Essentials You Always Wanted to Know because it finally made AI feel understandable instead of overwhelming. The explanations of machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and generative AI are clear, well structured, and written for people who are curious rather than those already having technical expertise, which I appreciated so much. I loved the way the book balances theory with real-world applications and practical examples, plus the summaries and quizzes actually helped reinforce what I was learning instead of feeling like a filler. It’s the kind of guide that builds confidence as you read, and I finished it feeling informed, less intimidated, and genuinely excited about how AI fits into everyday life.
-- Marta Petticoat, NetGalley Reviewer

A concise yet comprehensive guide covering the full spectrum of modern AI, from core ML/DL to the latest in GenAI and ethics. Highly recommended for building foundational literacy.
-- Vinodh Balaraman, Co-founder & CEO, KolateAI Inc

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