This article aims to present how Artificial Intelligence, its software and its intelligent algorithms work, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of its use. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computational technology developed with the aim of enabling machines to solve a series of problems, covering everything from the great complexity of government and industry management to the daily tasks of modern men and women. To do this, AI uses sophisticated learning technology, allowing the AI to learn from a large set of data and act on its own. Algorithms are the essence of any artificial intelligence system that are fed with as much data as possible, as references, so that they can learn better. It is important to note that unlike the algorithm, software is a type of system that allows the user to interact with the computer and gives instructions to the computer to perform specific tasks as well as control the functioning of the hardware and its operations. The advantages of using artificial intelligence include: 1) Reduction in human error; 2) Takes risks instead of human beings; 3) Availability of use (24 hours in 7 days); 4) Help with repetitive work; 5) Offers digital assistance; 6) Provides faster decisions; 7) Provides daily applications; 8) Promotes innovation. As a disadvantage, the use of artificial intelligence could cause machines to become so developed that humans will not be able to keep up with them and they will be able to continue on their own, redesigning themselves at an exponential rate, which could lead to invasion of people's privacy and even being turned into weapons and could lead to the extinction of the human race, in addition to promoting the advancement of unemployment, whether among manual workers or intellectual workers, because intelligent machines will also become workers.

1. 1
HOW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS SOFTWARES AND SMART
ALGORITHMS WORK
Fernando Alcoforado*
This article aims to present how Artificial Intelligence, its software and its smart
algorithms work, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of its use. Artificial
intelligence (AI) is a computational technology or a set of technologies such as artificial
neural networks, algorithms and learning systems whose objective is to imitate human
mental capabilities, such as: reasoning, environmental perception and decision-making
capacity. The technology is developed with the aim that machines can solve a series of
problems, covering everything from great complexity of government and industry
management to the daily tasks of modern men and women. To achieve this, AI uses
sophisticated learning technology, allowing it to learn from a large set of data and act on
its own [1]. The general objective of AI is to create machines that can operate with the
same level of cognitive capacity as humans, or even surpass it. In recent years, AI has
emerged as a transformative force across multiple industries, revolutionizing the way
companies conduct business [2].
Artificial Intelligence is based on three technologies [1]:
1. Machine Learning is an application of Artificial Intelligence that provides the
computer with the ability to learn and improve automatically from its own experience.
Machine learning focuses on developing “software” that can access data and use it to
learn from it. The learning process begins with observing data in order to look for
statistical patterns and make good decisions based on the examples provided. In this way,
the main objective is to make computers learn automatically without human intervention.
2. Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, essentially being a neural network with
three or more layers. These neural networks attempt to simulate the behavior of the human
brain – although far from matching its capacity – allowing the machine to “learn” from
the abundance of data. While a single-layer neural network can still make approximate
predictions, additional hidden layers can help optimize and refine accuracy. Deep
learning drives many AI applications and services that improve automation by performing
analytical and physical tasks without human intervention. Deep learning technology is
behind everyday products and services (like digital assistants, voice-enabled TV remotes,
and credit card fraud detection) as well as emerging technologies (like self-driving cars).
3. Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence that helps
computers understand, interpret, and manipulate human language. NLP draws on many
disciplines, including computer science and computational linguistics, in its quest to
bridge the gap between human communication and computer understanding.
Algorithms are the essence of any artificial intelligence system that are fed with as much
data as possible, as references, so that they can learn better. It is a tool that maps decisions
within a system and their possible consequences. Intelligent algorithms have the ability
and process to filter order and structure. Thus, they autonomously present content that
may, according to the rules of the algorithms, have more or less influence, excluding other
possible information. In general, an algorithm comprises a finite sequence of executable
actions (steps) to solve a problem, or in the most common case in Computer Science,
perform a task. The algorithm itself is not the program, but the sequence of actions and
conditions that must be obeyed for the problem to be solved. Algorithms are finite
sequences of instructions used to solve a problem. For example, when someone accesses

2. 2
a website, algorithms define the path for the page to open correctly. When someone
interacts with a link, other algorithms are triggered, indicating what to do [2].
Algorithms are produced by specialized professionals, known as developers. Algorithms
are written in a specific programming language, which makes the machine obey
commands. It is as if developers were specialized in the language of computers, writing
instructions on how they should act. All internet activities, for example, are mediated by
algorithms. When someone clicks on a link, there is a specific algorithm that receives that
click, performs processing to solve this task and solves it, redirecting them to a page. All
digital life involves these logical sequences in order to solve problems, written by
developers [3].
There are four most common types of representation of algorithms: 1) Narrative
description; 2) Flowchart; 3) Pseudocode; 4) Programming language. In the narrative
description, the algorithm is represented textually, listing the sequence of instructions in
order to solve a problem. That is, the person writes it in their own words. The main
disadvantage of this type of algorithm representation is the presence of ambiguities and
communication noise. The text can be interpreted in different ways, making it difficult to
solve the problem. In the Flowchart, graphic resources, such as geometric shapes and
arrows, and text are used to represent the steps to solve a problem. Pseudocode is the
way of representing the algorithm that comes closest to programming languages. Through
it, the algorithm is written following a series of pre-established language rules. The
Programming Language presents the solution to a problem based on the Narrative
Description, Flowchart or Pseudocode to apply them in software [3].
It is important to note that unlike the algorithm, which is a type of process, procedure or
set of rules that must be followed to solve any type of calculation, that is, step-by-step
instructions that define how the work must be performed in order to obtain the desired
outcome, software is a type of system that allows the user to interact with the computer
and gives instructions to the computer to perform specific tasks as well as control the
functioning of the hardware and its operations. Software is a set of instructions that must
be followed and executed by a mechanism, be it a computer or an electromechanical
device. Software is the term used to describe programs, apps, scripts, macros and directly
embedded code instructions (firmware), in order to dictate what a machine should do.
Every computer program, cell phone, tablet, smart TV, video game console, set-top box,
etc. it is software, be it a text editor, a browser, an audio or video editor, a game, a
streaming app, etc. [4].
Software can come in many forms, which is why they are divided into three main
categories [4]:
1) Programming software are the tools used by the programmer to develop new software
and programs. They use different programming languages (C, Java, Python, Swift, etc.)
and house compilers, interpreters and debuggers, for example. Text editors, although they
are application software, are also programming software as they can be used to write code.
2) System software are the programs responsible for communicating between the
computer, which only understands machine language, and the user, being the basis on
which other software, such as application and programming software, will run. In other
words, they are platforms to make other software work. Operating systems such as
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, for example, are system software. Firmware,
industrial automation software and game graphics engines are also examples of system
software.

3. 3
3. Application software are programs such as video and music players, games, text
editors, calculators, browsers, social media apps, etc. Application software's function is
to perform a wide range of tasks, which can be for individual or even global use, which
requires them to be more robust and secure. In some cases, application software can take
on the role of operating systems, such as Chrome OS, where the browser is both system
and application software.
As we have seen, an algorithm is nothing more than a sequence of logical and structured
steps in order to solve a problem. In addition to having the step-by-step solution to the
problem well defined, it is necessary to be aware of the syntax of the programming
language used, knowing how to express your algorithm through it [3].
How is an algorithm made? Its structure has three properties [3]:
Input: data provided by the user (example: what is typed or selected by the mouse);
Processing: step by step to carry out data processing
Output: data processed, problem solved.
Figure 1- Structure of the algorithms
Making an algorithm is nothing more than structuring this step by step to solve the
problem, using, for example, a flowchart or pseudocode. Computer algorithms involve
this same structure, but instructions are passed to a machine with the aim of having it
perform a task. They are written in a specific programming language. The steps necessary
to construct any algorithm are the following [3]:
• Analyze the problem
• Identify data inputs
• Determine what transformations should be made by the algorithm (processing)
• Identify the solutions (problem solution)
• Build the algorithm using the flowchart
The algorithms bring three advantages described below [3]:
• Automation
• Curation
•New technologies.
The first advantage of using algorithms is task automation. They can analyze a large
volume of data, in less time than a person would, for example. Thus, they increase the
DATA
PROCESSING
BASED ON THE
ALGORITHM
DATA INPUT
DATA
PROCESSED
(PROBLEM
SOLVED)

4. 4
efficiency of activities. All computer software is made up of algorithms. On the internet,
everything involves them too. Used on social networks, algorithms carry out a type of
curation, recommending content that the person will probably like because they take into
account a series of aspects, such as the person's like profile, the type of posts the person
views, their searches, between others. The evolution of algorithms allows the emergence
of new technologies, such as smartphones, smart TVs, new applications and operating
systems. With new command possibilities, the algorithms become more improved, and,
consequently, new potential uses are developed. Transport and delivery applications,
streaming services and movie and music recommendations are provided by systems that
work based on algorithms.
Algorithms are, therefore, the essence of any artificial intelligence system that are fed
with as much data as possible, as references, so that they can learn better. There are
numerous advantages of using artificial intelligence: 1) Reduction of human error; 2)
Takes risks instead of human beings; 3) Availability of use (24 hours in 7 days); 4) Help
with repetitive work; 5) Offers digital assistance; 6) Provides faster decisions; 7) Provides
daily applications; 8) Provides the boost for innovations [3].
Artificial intelligence promotes the reduction of human error because computers do not
make these errors if they are programmed correctly. With Artificial Intelligence,
decisions are made based on information previously collected by applying a certain set of
algorithms. Thus, errors are reduced and the possibility of achieving accuracy with a
greater degree of precision is an achievable possibility. Artificial intelligence takes risks
instead of humans. This is one of the biggest advantages of Artificial Intelligence
because we can overcome many risk limitations involving human lives by developing an
AI robot that can do risky things for us. Among the possibilities, we have: going to Mars,
defusing a bomb, exploring the deepest parts of the oceans, mining coal and oil and many
others. Artificial intelligence has greater availability of use than humans do because it is
possible to make machines work 24 hours, 7 days a week, without interruptions [3].
Artificial intelligence helps with repetitive works in our day-to-day work like sending
email, checking errors in documents and much more. With artificial intelligence, these
tasks can be productively automated and even remove those that are “tiring” for humans
and free them to be increasingly creative and productive. Artificial intelligence provides
digital assistance to interact with users, which eliminates the need for human resources.
Digital assistants are also used on many websites to provide what users want by talking
to them about what they are looking for. Some chatbots are designed in such a way that
it is difficult to determine whether we are talking to a robot or a human. Artificial
intelligence provides faster decisions by making machines make decisions faster than
humans. The AI-powered machine works as programmed and will provide results faster.
Artificial intelligence provides the use of daily applications such as “Siri” from Apple,
“Cortana” from Windows and “OK Google” from Google that are frequently used in our
routine, whether to search for a location, take a selfie, make a call, reply to an email and
much more. Artificial intelligence drives innovations in almost all areas that will help
humans solve most complex problems [3].
Another advantage that could be provided by Artificial Intelligence concerns the
possibility of contributing to scientific and technological advancement aiming to provide
humanity with the necessary capacity for human beings to develop technologies capable
of taking them to new habitats in the solar system and beyond. As a disadvantage, the use
of artificial intelligence could cause machines to become so developed that humans will
not be able to keep up with them and they will be able to continue on their own,

5. 5
redesigning themselves at an exponential rate [5]. Another disadvantage is that machines
can invade people's privacy and even be turned into weapons. Artificial Intelligence could
become a major threat that could lead to the extinction of the human race, according to
scientist Stephen Hawking who published an article addressing this issue on May 1, 2014
in the newspaper The Independent. Hawking states that technologies are developing at
such a dizzying pace that they will become uncontrollable to the point of putting humanity
in danger. Hawking concludes: today, there would be time to stop; Tomorrow would be
too late [5].
The immediate consequence of the progress of artificial intelligence is the increase in
unemployment of both manual workers and intellectual workers because intelligent
machines will become workers. Artificial intelligence is positive for the capitalist who
makes use of it because it would begin to face its competitors in a more competitive way
given that it would provide, among other advantages, an increase in productivity and a
reduction in costs. However, it would also be extremely negative for the capitalist because
it tends to reduce the income available to the mass of workers excluded from production,
thus contributing to a drop in demand for products and services. Despite the benefits
provided by algorithms in technological advancement, they suffer criticism that focuses,
in particular, on the fact that several social media collect data regarding user behavior,
with the aim of recommending content similar to their tastes, being the ultimate goal to
make Internet users spend more time connected to the network, consuming not only
pleasant posts, but also the advertisements that finance the platform. In this way,
platforms encourage users to spend long periods of time connected to their screens,
without considering the impacts on their health. Many authors attribute the recent
phenomenon of political polarization to the way we consume news on networks that
disseminate, through their algorithms, fake news or false news, which operate without the
necessary social control. In any case, a series of movements, including within politics,
have been demanding more transparency from social networks in the use of algorithms,
to avoid their harmful use.
REFERENCES
1. ICMCJUNIOR. O que é inteligência artificial? Available on the website
<https://icmcjunior.com.br/inteligencia-artificial/>.
2. INSIGHTS. O que é um algoritmo inteligente? Available on the website
<https://www.portalinsights.com.br/perguntas-frequentes/o-que-e-um-algoritmo-
inteligente>.
3. THIBES, Victoria. Afinal, o que é um algoritmo e o que isso tem a ver com
computação? Available on the website <https://canaltech.com.br/produtos/Afinal-
o-que-e-um-algoritmo-e-o-que-isso-tem-a-ver-com-computacao/>.
4. GOGONI, Ronaldo. O que é software? Available on the website
<https://tecnoblog.net/responde/o-que-e-software/>.
5. ALCOFORADO, Fernando. Mundo rumo à singularidade tecnológica. Available
on the website <https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/mundo-rumo-%C3%A0-
singularidade-tecnol%C3%B3gica-fernando-alcoforado/?originalSubdomain=pt>.
* Fernando Alcoforado, awarded the medal of Engineering Merit of the CONFEA / CREA System, member
of the Bahia Academy of Education, of the SBPC- Brazilian Society for the Progress of Science and of
IPB- Polytechnic Institute of Bahia, engineer from the UFBA Polytechnic School and doctor in Territorial
Planning and Regional Development from the University of Barcelona, college professor (Engineering,
Economy and Administration) and consultant in the areas of strategic planning, business planning, regional
planning, urban planning and energy systems, was Advisor to the Vice President of Engineering and
Technology at LIGHT S.A. Electric power distribution company from Rio de Janeiro, Strategic Planning

6. 6
Coordinator of CEPED- Bahia Research and Development Center, Undersecretary of Energy of the State
of Bahia, Secretary of Planning of Salvador, is the author of the books Globalização (Editora Nobel, São
Paulo, 1997), De Collor a FHC- O Brasil e a Nova (Des)ordem Mundial (Editora Nobel, São Paulo, 1998),
Um Projeto para o Brasil (Editora Nobel, São Paulo, 2000), Os condicionantes do desenvolvimento do
Estado da Bahia (Tese de doutorado. Universidade de
Barcelona,http://www.tesisenred.net/handle/10803/1944, 2003), Globalização e Desenvolvimento (Editora
Nobel, São Paulo, 2006), Bahia- Desenvolvimento do Século XVI ao Século XX e Objetivos Estratégicos
na Era Contemporânea (EGBA, Salvador, 2008), The Necessary Conditions of the Economic and Social
Development- The Case of the State of Bahia (VDM Verlag Dr. Müller Aktiengesellschaft & Co. KG,
Saarbrücken, Germany, 2010), Aquecimento Global e Catástrofe Planetária (Viena- Editora e Gráfica,
Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, 2010), Amazônia Sustentável- Para o progresso do Brasil e combate
ao aquecimento global (Viena- Editora e Gráfica, Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo, São Paulo, 2011), Os Fatores
Condicionantes do Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2012), Energia no
Mundo e no Brasil- Energia e Mudança Climática Catastrófica no Século XXI (Editora CRV, Curitiba,
2015), As Grandes Revoluções Científicas, Econômicas e Sociais que Mudaram o Mundo (Editora CRV,
Curitiba, 2016), A Invenção de um novo Brasil (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2017), Esquerda x Direita e a sua
convergência (Associação Baiana de Imprensa, Salvador, 2018), Como inventar o futuro para mudar o
mundo (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2019), A humanidade ameaçada e as estratégias para sua sobrevivência
(Editora Dialética, São Paulo, 2021), A escalada da ciência e da tecnologia e sua contribuição ao progresso
e à sobrevivência da humanidade (Editora CRV, Curitiba, 2022), a chapter in the book Flood Handbook
(CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida United States, 2022), How to protect human beings from threats to their
existence and avoid the extinction of humanity (Generis Publishing, Europe, Republic of Moldova,
Chișinău, 2023) and A revolução da educação necessária ao Brasil na era contemporânea (Editora CRV,
Curitiba, 2023).