Glossary

A step-by-step set of instructions or rules for solving a problem or completing a task. A recipe is an algorithm, as is a computer program.

In object-oriented programming, a fundamental data structure that contains elements of the same type. Each element can be accessed using an index, which corresponds to its place within the array order. Indices start with 0 and ascend numerically. For example, the array areaCodes = [216, 419, 614] holds the area codes, in order, for Cleveland (index 0), Toledo (index 1), and Columbus (index 2), and these values are all integers. To return Toledo’s area code of 419, a programmer would run a command similar to: print(areaCodes[1]).

The ability of a computer to simulate human intelligence by performing tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding language. AI systems can analyze data, recognize patterns, make predictions, and adapt their behavior based on experience.

The study and creation of computer simulations that mimic living systems and biological processes. A-Life uses digital environments to model how organisms evolve, reproduce, adapt,

and interact, creating virtual ecosystems where artificial creatures can display lifelike behaviors.

A state in which machines or computer programs perform tasks that humans once did manually with minimal or no human intervention.

Short for “backward propagation of error.” In machine learning, a computation method used to train neural networks. Backpropagation uses the chain rule (of multivariable calculus) to calculate how changes to any of the weights or biases of a neural network will affect the accuracy of model predictions.

A digital ledger that stores information across many computers instead of one central location. Each new record links to previous ones, forming a secure chain of “blocks” (packages of encrypted data) that is extremely difficult to alter or hack. Blockchain technology has been used to create cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) due to its ability to securely record transactions without requiring the authentication of a centralized regulatory body.

Relating to the combination of elements from a numerical set, arranged in no particular order.

Visible and/or audible distortions or flaws within an image, audio, or video file. Compressing a file, and the consequential loss of data during the process, results in these artifacts appearing.

A field of artificial intelligence that trains computers to analyze and interpret visual information. Using cameras and software, the computer can recognize objects, people, text, and actions.

The conversion of the coordinates of a point or set of points from one coordinate system to another. Coordinate transforms allow programmers and computer engineers to switch between different ways of describing position, so that machines can understand and work with objects in different spaces.

First used in 1948 by Norbert Wiener to describe self-regulating entities (such as the brain), cybernetics refers to the study of the feedback loop, or a closed system where the output becomes the next input, which shapes future operations of the system.

Spread out rather than concentrated in one place. In decentralized systems, control, power, and decision-making are distributed among many participants or nodes rather than managed by a single, central authority.

The process of reducing the number of data points within a set, usually for storage or processing purposes.

A command sent from the CPU (central processing unit) that tells the GPU (graphics processing unit) what to draw and how to draw it.

When simple elements interact to create complex behaviors or patterns that could not be predicted from the individual components alone. It’s how ant colonies organize without a leader, how consciousness arises from neurons, or how water molecules create waves: Something new emerges from simpler parts interacting.

Floating-point numbers are used to store approximate numeric values that are not integers, such as the numeric value of pi (3.14159…) where the decimal point is “floating”—that is, not always in the same position.

A process built in to some programming languages that automatically frees up memory by removing objects no longer in use by the program.

A type of machine learning system where two AI programs compete to improve each other. Both programs are trained on a dataset of text, images, or sound. One program (the generator) tries to create convincing artificial data, while the other (the discriminator) judges its authenticity. Through this contest, the generator learns to produce increasingly realistic outputs.

A subfield of artificial intelligence that uses generative models trained on large data sets to create new content—text, images, music, or videos—by mimicking the underlying structures, patterns, and styles of what it was trained on. Popular commercial generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Dall-E, and Midjourney use a chatbot feature where users can prompt the AI system using natural language rather than code. These large-scale systems are trained using trillions of data points collected from the internet and are controversial for the way they appropriate (and imitate) existing intellectual property and for their energy usage and environmental impact. 

Art created using autonomous systems like computer algorithms, AI models, or rule-based processes where the artist sets up initial parameters but then allows the system to independently produce or contribute to the

final artwork. The artist designs the process rather than directly creating every element, embracing randomness, complexity, and emergence to produce results that often could not be fully predicted beforehand.

A term coined by artist Tyler Hobbs to describe a new style of generative art associated withthe blockchain. In long-form generative art, the artist typically encodes their algorithm directly onto the blockchain and the work is generated at the time of minting (the moment when it is collected). This means that neither the artist nor the collector knows what the work will look like in advance. To achieve this, the artist must fine-tune an algorithm capable of producing hundreds or thousands of iterations that are visually distinct from one another yet maintain a collective coherence and quality.

A programming language that determines the appropriate levels of light, darkness, and color during the rendering of a three-dimensional scene.

In machine learning, an optimization algorithm that minimizes errors between predicted and actual results.

A method of keeping sensitive data, such as an account password, secure. A hash consists of a one-way mathematical function that encrypts data of any size into a string of characters, typically shorter in length than the input.

Formalized by Claude Shannon in 1948, information theory studies how information is measured, stored, and communicated. It examines the mathematical laws governing data compression, transmission, and error correction. At its core, it defines information as the reduction of uncertainty. It measures how surprising or unpredictable a message is rather than its meaning or importance.

In object-oriented programming, refers to the creation process of an instance, or a specific object created using a set of parameters called a class. We can think of instantiation like the manufacturing of a car, where each build is dependent upon the setting of variables such as make, model, and color.

An abstract, multidimensional space that organizes essential features extracted from the data used to train machine learning models. We can think of latent space like an organized warehouse where complex information (images, text, etc.) is stored in a simplified form and similar items are positioned close together. This mapping of features allows the AI (artificial intelligence) to understand patterns and relationships embedded in the data and use this knowledge to generate new content.

A branch of artificial intelligence in which computers learn to make predictions or decisions by finding patterns in data, rather than being explicitly programmed for each task. The system improves its performance automatically through experience or the input of new data, getting better at tasks like recognizing images, translating languages, or making recommendations.

A unique numeric identifier for a specific location within a computer’s memory.

The process of creating and registering a new digital asset, such as an NFT (non-fungible token) or cryptocurrency token, on a blockchain network. It transforms digital content into a verified, tradeable item with recorded ownership, similar to how traditional mints produce physical coins or currency.

A type of learning algorithm associated with machine learning and artificial intelligence that is modeled and structured on how the human brain works. It uses interconnected nodes (like brain neurons) to process information, recognize patterns, and learn from data. By adjusting connections between nodes, it can improve at tasks like image recognition or language processing.

A unique digital certificate stored on a blockchain that proves ownership of a specific digital asset like artwork, music, or videos. An NFT works like a contract of ownership, recording data like sales and trading information. Unlike cryptocurrencies, each NFT is non-fungible, meaning it’s one-of-a-kind and cannot be exchanged equally with another, making it ideal for digital collectibles.

Data, transactions, or activities that are recorded directly on a blockchain network. This information is permanently stored, publicly verifiable, and cannot be altered, as opposed to “off-chain” data, which exists outside the blockchain but may reference or connect to it.

Computer hardware and software that is freely available for anyone to view, modify, use, and distribute. Unlike proprietary technology, open-source tools encourage collaboration, transparency, community production, and shared custodianship. This allows developers worldwide to improve, customize, and share the tools without restrictions or licensing fees.

A temporary storage location for outgoing data.

The process of subtracting the value of one waveform from the value of another, which manipulates the underlying signal created from decoding smartphone videos, for instance.

A computer-controlled drawing machine that uses pens, pencils, or other tools to create precise artwork on paper or other surfaces. Early computer artists like Vera Molnár relied on plotter machines to output their computer drawings, and many generative artists continue to use them today.

A function or series of functions used in computer graphics to generate a specific image texture.

A number (or vector) that initializes a pseudorandom number generator, an algorithm for generating a sequence of numbers that approximates the properties of a random number sequence. The sequence generated is not truly random, because it is determined by the initial value of the seed.

A system that produces unpredictable sequences of numbers. Computers use mathematical algorithms (pseudorandom) or physical processes (true random) to generate these numbers, which are essential for encryption, simulations, games, and creating variety in digital art and other applications.

Involves chance, probability, or randomness.

A measure of how many units of information can be processed over a communication network within a given time frame.

An approach to parsing out the world’s complexities that emphasizes the interconnectedness of the “whole,” as well as the relationships—rather than the distinctions—among its parts. Biologist Ludwig Von Bertalanffy originated General Systems Theory (GST) in 1937, in part to describe how the behavior of a system varies when changes are made to one or several of its components.

The conversion of one digital media file format (e.g. audio or video) into another, usually for streaming or storage purposes.