Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a computer science field concerned with giving computers the ability to understand written and spoken human language. NLP combines aspects of linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence with large datasets of natural language to train computers to process spoken word and text input just as humans would. With NLP, computers are trained to interpret not only words and sentences but also tone and sentiment. That way, they can respond appropriately to a wide range of spoken and written input.

Natural Language Processing enables computers to handle a wide range of everyday tasks quickly, reliably, and at scale. NLP is behind many popular applications people use every day, such as virtual assistants (e.g., Apple's Siri and Amazon's Alexa) and writing aids (e.g., autofill applications, grammar checkers, and translation programs). NLP also enables chatbots for customer service and powers speech-to-text and text-to-speech software for the visually impaired. With NLP, computers can quickly analyze large datasets for both content and sentiment, which provides key insights for marketing, customer service, and a wide range of other applications.

NLP specialists, often called NLP engineers, are computer specialists who work across many different industries to design and develop systems that understand and respond to human language input. Before learning Natural Language Processing, it's helpful to have basic skills in computer sciences, such as coding, and a working knowledge of programming languages like Python. Understanding some machine learning and database management concepts can also provide a solid foundation for learning Natural Language Processing. It can also help to know a little about linguistics – the study of how language works.