Switching Theory for Q-Learning
Quick summary
arXiv:2604.19569v5 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Q-learning is a fundamental algorithmic primitive in reinforcement learning. This paper develops a new framework for analyzing constant step-size tabular Q-learning from a switching linear system (SLS) viewpoint. In particular, we derive a stochastic SLS representation of the Q-learning error, and a finite-time error analysis through the joint spectral radius (JSR) of the corresponding SLS model, where the JSR is the exact worst-case exponential rate of the associated SLS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first convergence rate
Key takeaways
- arXiv:2604.19569v5 Announce Type: replace-cross Abstract: Q-learning is a fundamental algorithmic primitive in reinforcement learning.
- This paper develops a new framework for analyzing constant step-size tabular Q-learning from a switching linear system (SLS) viewpoint.
- In particular, we derive a stochastic SLS representation of the Q-learning error, and a finite-time error analysis through the joint spectral radius (JSR) of the corresponding SLS model, where the JSR is the exact worst-case exponential rate of the associated SLS.
Why it matters
The value of this work lies as much in how it was tested as in the claim itself. Sample design, baselines, uncertainty and replication help separate a laboratory result from real-world impact.

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