Towards a Systems Theory of Algorithms

arXiv:2401.14029v2 Announce Type: replace-cross
Abstract: Traditionally, numerical algorithms are seen as isolated pieces of code confined to an {\em in silico} existence. However, this perspective is not appropriate for many modern computational approaches in control, learning, or optimization, wherein {\em in vivo} algorithms interact with their environment. Examples of such {\em open algorithms} include various real-time optimization-based control strategies, reinforcement learning, decision-making architectures, online optimization, and many more. Further, even {\em closed} algorithms in learning or optimization are increasingly abstracted …

abstract algorithms arxiv code computational control cs.lg cs.sy eess.sy environment examples however math.oc modern numerical optimization perspective systems theory type