Definition

An Artificial Neural Network is an information processing paradigm that is inspired by the way biological nervous systems, such as the brain, process information. The key element of this paradigm is the novel structure of the information processing system. It is composed of a large number of highly interconnected processing elements (neurons) working in unison to solve specific problems. Artificial Neural Networks, like people, learn by example. An Artificial Neural Networks is configured for a specific application, such as pattern recognition or data classification, through a learning process. Learning in biological systems involves adjustments to the synaptic connections that exist between the neurons. This is true of ANNs as well.In more practical terms neural networks are non-linear statistical decision data modeling or decision making tools. They can be used to model complex relationships between inputs and outputs or to find patterns in data.