# Optimization for Reinforcement Learning: From Single Agent to Cooperative Agents

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1912.00498 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1912.00498/

## Key facts

- Cited by 20 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 1 Dec 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 20 of 20)

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- [Distributed Policy Gradient with Variance Reduction in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.12961/) (2021)
- [Feature-Aware Task-to-Core Allocation in Embedded Multi-core Platforms via Statistical Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2502.15716/) (2025)
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- [Continuous-Time Distributed Dynamic Programming for Networked Multi-Agent Markov Decision Processes](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.16706/) (2023)
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- [ZeroDVFS: Zero-Shot LLM-Guided Core and Frequency Allocation for Embedded Platforms](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2601.08166/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This article reviews recent advances in multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithms for large-scale control systems and communication networks, which learn to communicate and cooperate. We provide an overview of this emerging field, with an emphasis on the decentralized setting under different coordination protocols. We highlight the evolution of reinforcement learning algorithms from single-agent to multi-agent systems, from a distributed optimization perspective, and conclude with future directions and challenges, in the hope to catalyze the growing synergy among distributed optimization, signal processing, and reinforcement learning communities.
