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Feedforward neural network (FFN)

Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.

TL;DR. A feedforward neural network is a type of artificial neural network where connections between nodes do not form cycles; information moves in only one direction.

Technical Definition

A feedforward neural network is a type of artificial neural network where connections between nodes do not form cycles; information moves in only one direction.

How it works

A feedforward neural network (FFN) is a fundamental type of artificial neural network characterized by the unidirectional flow of information. Input data is processed through successive layers of neurons, with each layer's output serving as the input for the next, without any loops or backward connections. This simplicity makes them a common choice for many classification and regression tasks.

Related Concepts

  • Neural Network — A computing system inspired by biological neural networks that learns patterns from data through interconnected layers of nodes.
  • Deep Learning — A subset of machine learning using neural networks with many layers to learn hierarchical representations from large datasets.

Further Reading

  • Google ML Glossary