So you've heard these AI terms and nodded along; let's fix that
TechCrunch publishes a living glossary that explains common AI jargon, from AGI to deep learning, in plain language.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
This TechCrunch glossary breaks down the terms that keep showing up in AI coverage, including AGI, AI agents, API endpoints, chain-of-thought reasoning, coding agents, compute, and deep learning. It is presented as a living reference that will be updated as the field changes.
This article is like a dictionary for robot talk. It explains the words people keep using when they talk about AI, so the conversation makes more sense.
One example is an “AI agent,” which is like a helper that can do several jobs in a row, not just answer a question. Another is “compute,” which is the power that helps the AI think, like fuel for a car.
The article also explains that some terms, like AGI, mean different things to different experts. That is why the same word can sound simple but actually be a big argument.
Analysis
What the piece is
TechCrunch frames this as a working glossary for readers who keep seeing AI jargon and want a clean reference. The article says the field is creating its own language quickly, and that the glossary will be updated as the industry evolves.
Terms it explains
The piece defines AGI as a fuzzy term, but one that generally points to systems that would outperform humans across many tasks. It also notes that major players do not use the same definition, which is part of why the term is so contested.
It then moves through AI agents, describing them as systems that can carry out a sequence of tasks on someone’s behalf, not just chat. The article ties that to practical examples like booking, filing expenses, or handling code, while noting that the space is still developing and the meaning of the term can vary.
From there, it explains API endpoints as the hidden interfaces software can use to make other software do things. In the AI context, those interfaces matter because agents can use them to interact with services directly.
The glossary also covers chain of thought, describing it as breaking a problem into smaller steps so a model can reason more effectively. Related to that are reasoning models, which are built on top of large language models and tuned to work through intermediate steps more carefully.
Why it matters
The article’s broader point is that AI progress is not only about better models, but also about a new layer of concepts around autonomy, infrastructure, and reasoning. By separating the terms, it gives readers a map for following the rest of AI reporting without treating every acronym as a black box.
Key points
- TechCrunch published a living glossary of common AI terms.
- The article says AGI is a debated and loosely defined concept.
- It explains AI agents as systems that can complete multi-step tasks.
- It links API endpoints to the infrastructure agents use to act on other software.
- It describes chain-of-thought and reasoning models as ways AI can work through problems step by step.
