Beyond Short Steps in Frank-Wolfe Algorithms

ICLR 2026 Conference Submission16695 Authors

Keywords: Frank-Wolfe algorithm, optimism, primal-dual algorithms

Abstract: We introduce novel techniques to enhance Frank-Wolfe algorithms by leveraging function smoothness beyond traditional short steps. Our study focuses on Frank-Wolfe algorithms with step sizes that incorporate primal-dual guarantees, offering practical stopping criteria. We present a new Frank-Wolfe algorithm utilizing an optimistic framework and provide a primal-dual convergence proof. Additionally, we propose a generalized short-step strategy aimed at optimizing a computable primal-dual gap. Interestingly, this new generalized short-step strategy is also applicable to gradient descent algorithms beyond Frank-Wolfe methods. Empirical results demonstrate that our optimistic algorithm outperforms existing methods, highlighting its practical advantages.

Primary Area: optimization

Submission Number: 16695