Skip Connection
Definition
Skip connections route information past intermediate layers and connect it with later results.
A skip connection routes the input of a network block past one or more layers and combines it with its output.
Simply explained
Part of the information takes a shortcut and is later merged again with the processed result.
Why it matters in practice
The term helps to select, develop, evaluate AI systems in a well-founded manner and realistically assess their technical risks.
Example from business
An image model uses residual blocks so that gradients flow stably even through many layers.
Limits and pitfalls
- Mismatched dimensions require projections; skip connections neither eliminate data problems nor every optimization problem.
Origin & history
Residual networks made additive skip connections a core component of very deep neural networks in 2015/2016.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: An image model uses residual blocks so that gradients flow stably even through many layers.
Frequently asked questions
What does skip connection mean?
A skip connection routes the input of a network block past one or more layers and combines it with its output. What should you watch out for? Mismatched dimensions require projections; skip connections neither eliminate data problems nor every optimization problem.
Sources
- Deep Residual Learning for Image Recognition · He et al., Deep Residual Learning for Image Recognition
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no evidence of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: