What is q-learning in Reinforcement Learning?

Q-learning is a fundamental method in reinforcement learning that focuses on learning the value of actions in order to maximize cumulative rewards over time. It is classified as a value-based algorithm, which points to the correct answer.

In Q-learning, an agent learns to make decisions by updating a Q-table that stores values corresponding to state-action pairs. Each entry in the table represents the expected utility of taking an action from a particular state, allowing the agent to evaluate which action is likely to lead to the highest reward. As the agent explores the environment through various actions, it updates these Q-values based on the rewards received and the estimated maximum future rewards, using the Bellman equation as a guiding principle. This process allows the agent to gradually improve its policy, ultimately leading to optimal decision-making.

The other options do not align with the core principle of Q-learning. An exploitative learning strategy focuses on leveraging known information rather than exploring new strategies, which contrasts with the exploratory nature of Q-learning. Policy-based methods directly optimize the policy without maintaining a value table, differing fundamentally from the Q-table approach. Lastly, even distribution of rewards across actions does not reflect the goal of Q-learning, which is to learn the best action to take in specific states based on accrued experiences rather