<p>Backpropagation is a subroutine often used when training Artificial Neural Networks with a Gradient Descent learning algorithm. Gradient Descent requires the computation of the error gradient, i.e. derivatives, of a cost function with respect to the network parameters. BP allows you to find this gradient a lot faster than using naive methods.</p>
<p>Reinforcement Learning refers to inferring &quot;optimal&quot; behavior, i.e. a strategy, of an agent maximizing some goal in an environment. Depending on the specific RL algorithm, BP may be employed to adjust the parameters of a function approximator used to represent aspects of the environment and or the agent.</p>

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2018-01-14T00:39:40.317Z
2021-12-20T23:12:28.823Z
2021-12-20T23:12:28.823Z
braaterAfrikaaner
<p>What is the relation between back-propagation and reinforcement learning?</p>

<reinforcement-learning><comparison><backpropagation>
What is the relation between back-propagation and reinforcement learning?
Sourav Dalai
# What is the relation between back-propagation and reinforcement learning?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2018-01-13)

What is the relation between back-propagation and reinforcement learning?

**Tags:** reinforcement-learning, comparison, backpropagation


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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2018-01-14. Score: 6

Backpropagation is a subroutine often used when training Artificial Neural Networks with a Gradient Descent learning algorithm. Gradient Descent requires the computation of the error gradient, i.e. derivatives, of a cost function with respect to the network parameters. BP allows you to find this gradient a lot faster than using naive methods.

Reinforcement Learning refers to inferring "optimal" behavior, i.e. a strategy, of an agent maximizing some goal in an environment. Depending on the specific RL algorithm, BP may be employed to adjust the parameters of a function approximator used to represent aspects of the environment and or the agent.


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