Definition
Inference, also known as model inference, is the process where a trained artificial intelligence model makes predictions or decisions based on new, unseen data. It involves feeding input data into a pre-existing AI model, which then applies its learned patterns to generate an output. This is the practical application phase of AI, transforming theoretical knowledge into actionable insights for business operations. For instance, an image recognition model performing inference would identify objects in a photograph after being trained on thousands of labeled images. A common point of confusion is mistaking inference for model training, which is the preparatory phase of learning from data. Understanding inference is crucial for roles involving AI implementation and is often tested in AI and machine learning certification domains.