HumenhukAIGP Study Guide
Module 1: Foundations of AI, BoK IV.A

The AI family tree

Reviewed by Victor Humenhuk. Published . Reviewed .

Each layer is a subset of the one above: GenAI ⊂ DL ⊂ ML ⊂ AI. Agentic AI is the odd one out - it can be comprised of all categories of AI, leveraging different models depending on the task.

Each layer is a subset of the one above. The nesting order is GenAI ⊂ DL ⊂ ML ⊂ AI. Agentic AI is the odd one out - it can draw on all of them.

Machine learning (ML) → algorithms that learn patterns from data and improve over time without explicit programming.

Deep learning (DL):

  • ML using multi-layered neural networks simulating the human brain
  • Wins over classic ML → processes unstructured data, finds hidden patterns, can learn unsupervised
  • Reduces manual feature engineering, extracts features from raw data itself
  • Needs large high-quality data + heavy compute
  • Examples → Google DeepMind, Tesla Autopilot

Generative AI (GenAI):

  • DL models that generate new content → text, images, video
  • Output is representative of training data but distinctly unique (learns "cat", draws a brand-new cat)
  • Ethical concern → misuse for misinformation
  • Examples → ChatGPT, Gemini, GitHub Copilot, Adobe Firefly, Claude, Microsoft Copilot

Agentic AI:

  • Goal-oriented → autonomously decides, plans, executes and adapts with minimal human guidance
  • Solves multistep problems with limited supervision
  • Relies on patterns and likelihoods to act
  • Highly adaptable → improves through reinforced learning
  • Can be comprised of all categories of AI, leveraging different models depending on the task

Key terms - quick answers

What is “Machine learning (ML)”?
Algorithms that learn patterns from data and improve over time without explicit programming.
What is “Deep learning (DL)”?
ML using multi-layered neural networks; processes unstructured data and reduces feature engineering.
What is “Generative AI (GenAI)”?
DL models that generate new content representative of training data but distinctly unique.
What is “Agentic AI”?
Goal-oriented AI that autonomously plans and executes, drawing on all AI categories per task.

Sources and study method

This independent lesson uses active recall, spaced retrieval and scenario practice. Read the full study method.