# reinforcement learning

> type of machine learning where an agent learns how to behave in an environment by performing actions and receiving rewards or penalties in return, aiming to maximize the cumulative reward over time

**Wikidata**: [Q830687](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q830687)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reinforcement_learning)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/reinforcement-learning

## Summary
Reinforcement learning is a machine learning method where an agent learns to behave within an environment through a system of actions and feedback. The approach utilizes rewards and penalties to guide the agent toward the primary goal of maximizing cumulative rewards over time.

## Key Facts
- Reinforcement learning is classified as a machine learning method and a learning approach.
- The entity is a formal subclass of machine learning.
- The learning process requires an interaction between an agent and a specific environment.
- Feedback is delivered to the agent in the form of rewards or penalties.
- The objective of the agent is the maximization of total rewards over a temporal duration.

## FAQs
### Q: How does an agent determine its behavior in reinforcement learning?
A: The agent learns by performing actions within an environment and receiving feedback. It uses the resulting rewards or penalties to adjust its behavior to achieve better outcomes.

### Q: What is the primary objective of this learning approach?
A: The goal is to maximize the cumulative reward over time. The agent focuses on the long-term total of rewards rather than just the immediate result of a single action.

### Q: What are the core components of a reinforcement learning system?
A: The system consists of an agent that performs actions and an environment that provides feedback. This feedback is categorized as either a reward or a penalty based on the agent's performance.

## Why It Matters
Reinforcement learning establishes a framework for autonomous behavior modification. By focusing on cumulative rewards, it enables the development of strategies that prioritize long-term success over immediate feedback. This method allows for learning in environments where explicit instructions are replaced by a system of trial and error. It provides a structured way for machine learning systems to optimize their performance through direct interaction with their surroundings.

## Notable For
- Utilizes a reward and penalty mechanism to influence agent behavior.
- Prioritizes the maximization of cumulative rewards over time.
- Operates through a continuous loop of environmental actions and feedback.

## Body
### Classification and Taxonomy
Reinforcement learning is an instance of a machine learning method and a learning approach. It is categorized as a subclass of machine learning.

### Operational Components
The framework involves two primary entities: the agent and the environment. The agent functions as the learner or decision-maker. The environment serves as the space where actions are performed and feedback is generated.

### Feedback Mechanism
The agent receives feedback based on the actions it executes. This feedback is binary in nature, consisting of rewards for desired outcomes and penalties for undesired outcomes. 

### Optimization Goal
The learning process is directed toward a specific mathematical objective. The agent aims to maximize the cumulative reward. This optimization is calculated over time rather than at a single point of interaction.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Reinforcement learning",
  "description": "A machine learning method where an agent learns to maximize cumulative rewards through actions and feedback in an environment.",
  "additionalType": "machine learning method"
}

## References

1. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=69813)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Integrated Authority File
4. BabelNet
5. Quora
6. [Reinforcement Learning](https://www.reddit.com/r/reinforcementlearning/)
7. National Library of Israel
8. [Source](https://vocabs.ardc.edu.au/viewById/316)
9. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)