Why Reinforcement Learning Actually Works (The Math Behind the Magic)
Reinforcement learning agents master complex tasks through trial and error, but beneath this simple concept lies an elegant mathematical framework that transforms vague notions of “learning from experience” into precise, computable algorithms. If you’ve wondered how a computer program learns to play chess at superhuman levels or how robots develop the ability to walk, the answer begins with understanding Markov Decision Processes, value functions, and the Bellman equation.
Think of reinforcement learning as teaching a child to ride a bicycle. The child doesn’t receive explicit instructions for every muscle movement; instead, they receive feedback—staying upright feels …










