Q-learning is the most popular method used in practical applications for many reinforcement learning problems. The off-policy TD control algorithm is known as Q-learning. In this case, the learned action-value function, Q directly approximates
, the optimal action-value function, independent of the policy being followed. This approximation simplifies the analysis of the algorithm and enables early convergence proofs. The policy still has an effect, in that it determines which state-action pairs are visited and updated. However, all that is required for correct convergence is that all pairs continue to be updated. As we know, this is a minimal requirement in the sense that any method guaranteed to find optimal behavior in the general case must require it. An algorithm of convergence is shown in the following steps:
- Initialize:
- Repeat (for each episode):
- Initialize S
- Repeat (for each step of episode):
- Choose A from S using policy derived from Q (for example...
