In the context of machine learning and neural networks, parameters are the internal variables that the model learns during the training process. They are the part of the model that is optimized to improve the model’s prediction performance.

The parameters of the model essentially define the model’s representation of the learned task.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Weights: These are the most abundant parameters in a neural network. Each node in a layer is connected to each node in the previous layer through a “weight.” These weights are essentially the strength or intensity of the connection between two nodes. The weights are learned and adjusted during the training process.

2. Biases: In addition to the weights, each node has a bias. The bias allows the output of a node to be shifted. This makes it possible for the model to fit the data better. Biases are also learned during the training process.

In a trained model, the weights and biases will have been adjusted so that the model makes accurate predictions on the training data. The quality of these predictions on new, unseen data (i.e., the generalization performance) is the ultimate measure of a model’s success.

The process of learning the parameters involves using an algorithm such as stochastic gradient descent, along with backpropagation, to adjust the weights and biases based on the difference between the model’s predictions and the actual values.

It’s important to note that while having more parameters can allow a model to fit more complex patterns in the data, it also makes the model more prone to overfitting.