> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.omnifact.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How AI Works

> A simple explanation of how AI processes information and responds to your requests

export const Glossary = ({children, term}) => {
  const glossaryDefinitions = {
    'ai': 'Artificial Intelligence - computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence',
    'artificial-intelligence-ai': 'Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence',
    'ai-assistant': 'An AI system designed to help users with tasks through conversation',
    'space': 'A dedicated environment with a specialized AI assistant and optional Uploaded Files',
    'spaces': 'Dedicated environments with specialized AI assistants and optional Uploaded Files',
    'knowledge': 'The sub-menu in Space settings where you manage Uploaded Files and Connected Sources',
    'uploaded-files': 'Documents manually uploaded to a Space under the Knowledge tab',
    'prompt': 'Instructions or questions you give to an AI assistant',
    'response': 'The AI assistant\'s answer to your prompt or question',
    'query': 'A question or request for information',
    'context': 'Background information that helps the AI understand your request',
    'llm': 'Large Language Model - an AI system trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human language',
    'large-language-model-llm': 'An AI system trained on vast amounts of text data to understand and generate human language',
    'privacy-filter': 'A system that automatically detects and masks sensitive information before it reaches AI models, and restricts images from being sent to non-EU hosted models for compliance',
    'chat-instructions': 'Custom guidelines that define how an AI assistant behaves and responds in a Space',
    'pattern-matching': 'The process by which AI recognizes and uses patterns in data to provide responses',
    'patterns': 'Recognizable structures or trends in data that AI systems can identify and use',
    'training-data': 'The text and information used to teach an AI system how to understand and respond to requests',
    'natural-language': 'Everyday human language that people use to communicate, as opposed to computer code or formal syntax',
    'hallucination': 'When an AI generates information that sounds plausible but is actually incorrect or fabricated',
    'filtering': 'The process of automatically detecting and temporarily replacing sensitive information to protect it during AI processing',
    'masking': 'Temporarily replacing sensitive information with generic labels to protect it from being seen by external AI models',
    're-insertion': 'The automatic process of putting original sensitive information back into AI responses after they\'ve been generated with filtered data',
    'retrieval': 'The process of finding and accessing relevant documents from Uploaded Files to answer questions',
    'hosting': 'Where an AI model is deployed and made available for use - either by third-party providers, on your organization\'s own servers, or in private cloud environments',
    'cite': 'To reference or mention the source of information, helping you know where an AI\'s answer came from',
    'sidebar': 'A panel that appears on the side of the screen showing additional information and options',
    'toggle': 'A button or control that switches something on or off, like opening and closing a sidebar',
    'navigation': 'The system of menus and buttons that help you move between different parts of Omnifact',
    'favoriting': 'Marking a Space as a favorite to pin it to the main navigation for quick access',
    'pinning': 'Attaching a Space to the main navigation bar so it\'s always visible and easily accessible'
  };
  const definition = glossaryDefinitions[term];
  return <Tooltip tip={definition}>{children}</Tooltip>;
};

<Note>
  Understanding the basics of how AI works helps you use it more effectively. This guide explains AI's functioning using simple analogies and practical examples.
</Note>

## The Basic Process

Think of <Glossary term="ai">AI</Glossary> like a highly trained assistant who has read millions of books and documents. Here's how it processes your requests:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Receiving Your Request">
    When you ask a question, the AI reads your message to understand:

    * What you're asking for
    * Any specific requirements or constraints
    * The <Glossary term="context">context</Glossary> behind your request
  </Step>

  <Step title="Gathering Information">
    The AI then looks for answers by:

    * Searching its vast <Glossary term="training-data">training data</Glossary>
    * Searching the web or fetching URLs for up-to-date information (when enabled)
    * Reviewing relevant documents in your <Glossary term="uploaded-files">Uploaded Files</Glossary> or attached files (when available)
    * Connecting related ideas to build a complete picture
  </Step>

  <Step title="Formulating a Response">
    Finally, the AI creates your answer by:

    * Organizing the gathered information logically
    * Writing the response in natural language
    * Formatting it according to your instructions
    * Checking for completeness and clarity
  </Step>
</Steps>

## How AI Understands Language

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Pattern Recognition" icon="puzzle-piece">
    Uses <Glossary term="pattern-matching">pattern matching</Glossary> to understand language meaning
  </Card>

  <Card title="Context Understanding" icon="sitemap">
    Maintains awareness of the conversation flow
  </Card>

  <Card title="Information Processing" icon="brain">
    Connects different pieces of information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Response Generation" icon="pen-to-square">
    Creates human-like text based on understanding
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Understanding AI's Thinking Process

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How AI Reads" icon="eye">
    * Processes text word by word
    * Recognizes patterns and meanings
    * Maintains context throughout
    * Identifies important details
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How AI Remembers" icon="memory">
    * Keeps track of conversation context
    * References previous information
    * Connects related concepts
    * Maintains consistent responses
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How AI Responds" icon="comment">
    * Combines relevant information
    * Structures clear responses
    * Maintains appropriate tone
    * Formats information helpfully
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## How Omnifact Makes AI Smarter

<Note>
  Omnifact adds special features to make AI more useful and secure for professional work.
</Note>

<Card title="Privacy Protection" icon="shield-halved" horizontal href="/en/platform/core-features/privacy-security/introduction">
  Automatically keeps sensitive information safe
</Card>

<Card title="Uploaded Files Access" icon="database" horizontal href="/en/platform/core-features/spaces/uploaded-files-retrieval">
  Connects AI with your organization's documents
</Card>

<Card title="Professional Focus" icon="briefcase" horizontal href="/en/platform/core-features/spaces/customizing-spaces">
  Customizes responses based on your business needs through Chat Instructions
</Card>

<Card title="Conversation Memory" icon="comments" horizontal href="/en/platform/core-features/chats/conversational-flow">
  Keeps track of context within your current chat so follow-up questions stay relevant
</Card>

## Important Things to Remember

* **AI is a tool** that helps you work better but doesn't replace human judgment

* **AI learns patterns** by recognizing and using patterns in language and information

* **AI needs context** because better information leads to better responses

* **AI can improve within a conversation** as you provide clearer instructions and feedback, but it does not permanently learn from past chats

## Common Questions About AI

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Does AI actually understand like humans do?">
    No, AI doesn't understand things the way humans do. Instead, it recognizes patterns and uses them to provide helpful responses. Think of it more like a very sophisticated pattern-matching system rather than a human mind.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How does AI know what's relevant?">
    AI identifies relevant information by matching <Glossary term="patterns">patterns in your request</Glossary> with patterns in its training data and available documents. It's similar to how a skilled researcher knows which parts of a document are important based on experience.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can AI learn from our interactions?">
    While AI remembers context within a conversation, it doesn't permanently learn or change from individual interactions. Each session starts fresh with the same base knowledge and capabilities.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

Now that you understand how AI works, explore these topics to learn more:

* Discover [AI Capabilities and Limitations](/en/guides/ai-fundamentals/capabilities-and-limitations) to understand what AI can and cannot do
* Learn about [How to Interact with AI](/en/guides/ai-fundamentals/how-to-interact) to communicate effectively
* Understand [AI Assistants](/en/guides/ai-fundamentals/understanding-assistants) and how they enhance your work