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arXiv · 1507.08752

An Optimal Algorithm for Bandit and Zero-Order Convex Optimization with Two-Point Feedback

Ohad Shamir
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Abstract

We consider the closely related problems of bandit convex optimization with two-point feedback, and zero-order stochastic convex optimization with two function evaluations per round. We provide a simple algorithm and analysis which is optimal for convex Lipschitz functions. This improves on \cite{dujww13}, which only provides an optimal result for smooth functions; Moreover, the algorithm and analysis are simpler, and readily extend to non-Euclidean problems. The algorithm is based on a small but surprisingly powerful modification of the gradient estimator.

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Ohad Shamir. 2015-07-31. An Optimal Algorithm for Bandit and Zero-Order Convex Optimization with Two-Point Feedback. https://arxiv.org/abs/1507.08752

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