# Algorithm Taxonomy

## :herb: Algorithm Taxonomy

Deep RL algorithms can be classified into a family tree based on their methods / functions they learn, such as the one shown below.

![Source: Foundations of Deep Reinforcement Learning, Graesser & Keng.](/files/-Lu8jgocbohDU-x6R16F)

Algorithms often extends an existing one by modifying or adding components. Most model-free algorithms are descended from SARSA and REINFORCE. The figure below shows some of the algorithms in SLM Lab, and their relationships.

![Source: Foundations of Deep Reinforcement Learning, Graesser & Keng.](/files/-Lu6cZI1Z0R9Qr16-yKB)

Naturally, implementations can be consistent with this theoretical taxonomy by using **class inheritance** and **modular components**. This is precisely what SLM Lab does.


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