The Layered Mental Model I Use to Understand Modern AI (As a Software Engineer)

Description and use

<p>If you're a software engineer who understands traditional systems but still finds the massive explosion of AI terminology confusing, you're definitely not alone. </p> <p>AI, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, transformers, LLMs, generative AI, and AI agents are often explained as completely separate concepts or marketing buzzwords. The confusing part is that they're actually deeply connected, overlapping layers that build on top of each other.</p> <p>I put together a beginner-friendly, 12-minute visual whiteboard guide breaking down these 7 layers step-by-step for engineers.

Problem

<p>If you're a software engineer who understands traditional systems but still finds the massive explosion of AI terminology confusing, you're definitely not alone. </p> <p>AI, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, transformers, LLMs, generative AI, and AI agents are often explained as completely separate concepts or marketing buzzwords. The confusing part is that they're actually deeply connected, overlapping layers that build on top of each other.</p> <p>I put together a beginner-friendly, 12-minute visual whiteboard guide breaking down these 7 layers step-by-step for engineers.

Outcome

<p>If you're a software engineer who understands traditional systems but still finds the massive explosion of AI terminology confusing, you're definitely not alone. </p> <p>AI, machine learning, neural networks, deep learning, transformers, LLMs, generative AI, and AI agents are often explained as completely separate concepts or marketing buzzwords. The confusing part is that they're actually deeply connected, overlapping layers that build on top of each other.</p> <p>I put together a beginner-friendly, 12-minute visual whiteboard guide breaking down these 7 layers step-by-step for engineers.

Evidence

The Layered Mental Model I Use to Understand Modern AI (As a Software Engineer)

Source