June 9, 2023
DeepMind has created new AI algorithms dubbed AlphaDev that are based on its AlphaGo system.
These algorithms transform computer operations by sorting data considerably more quickly and effectively than typical human-written programs. It quickly creates code for sorting integers based on their size. AlphaDev operates by adding instructions to the algorithm and assessing the sorted numbers to gain efficiency incentives. It gradually develops more efficient code using reinforcement learning.
AlphaDev created efficient code for sorting four items. It has also created code that beats human-developed algorithms for sorting three and five integers, resulting in a reduction in the amount of instructions required. This performance enhancement also applies to lists with more than 250,000 numbers, with a 1.7% increase.
The new code has been included into the C++ library, marking the first upgrade to the language’s sorting algorithms in almost a decade. Furthermore, AlphaDev has created speedier hashing methods, which are critical for data retrieval and storage. These hashing techniques are now part of an open-source programming database.
The technology, however, has limits. It is designed particularly for tiny programs, and its learning process slows when presented with a large number of instructions. This stifles further breakthroughs and performance gains.
The sources for this piece include an article in Axios.
