liveBook · Manning

Reinforcement learning

As explained in Data Without Labels

A machine-learning paradigm in which an agent improves its behavior through sequential interactions, trial and error, and feedback from rewards or penalties.

Reinforcement learning is a machine-learning approach in which a system improves behavior through sequential interactions, trial and error, and reward signals. Positive outcomes encourage actions, while penalties prompt correction. section 1.5.4

The learning loop consists of:

  • Taking an action in an ongoing sequence of interactions. section 1.5.4
  • Receiving a positive or negative reward signal. section 1.5.4
  • Correcting and improving later behavior iteratively. section 1.5.4

Chess and autonomous navigation

In a chess example, a computer first loses after several moves, then improves across repeated rounds until it wins. Self-driving cars provide another application: reinforcement learning helps determine when to turn, move, or stop. section 1.5.4 section 1.7

Figure 1.10 ML algorithms can be classified as supervised learning algorithms, unsupervised learning algorithms, semisupervised learning algorithms, and reinforcement learning algorithms.
figure

Use the classification figure to compare reinforcement learning with supervised, unsupervised, and semisupervised learning. section 1.5

How Data Without Labels covers it

How deep it goes
Defines trial and error and reward signals, but stops short of algorithms, environments, or implementation details.
Examples
Uses computer chess, self-driving cars, and modern video games to illustrate sequential learning and action correction.
What it assumes
Assumes familiarity with machine-learning problem types and historical data as modeling input.
What you can do after
Evaluate reinforcement learning as a fit for dynamic decision-making and explain its reward-driven feedback loop.
How it connects
Connects reinforcement learning with supervised, unsupervised, semisupervised, and generative AI approaches.

Also explained in

Compare how 18 books explain reinforcement learning →

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Data Without Labels. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.