A neural network is a type of computer system designed to recognize patterns and make decisions, inspired by the way the human brain works. It consists of interconnected layers of nodes, or "neurons," that process information. Each neuron receives input, applies a mathematical function, and passes the output to the next layer, allowing the network to learn from data. Neural networks are commonly used in various applications, such as image recognition, natural language processing, and even in self-driving cars. They can improve their performance over time by adjusting the connections between neurons based on the data they process, a process known as training.