Genetic Algorithms

May 3 • General • 1717 Views • 2 Comments on Genetic Algorithms

Genetic Algorithms

Introduction

Genetic Algorithms (GAs) are adaptive heuristic search algorithm premised on the evolutionary ideas of natural selection and genetic. The basic concept of GAs is designed to simulate processes in natural system necessary for evolution, specifically those that follow the principles first laid down by Charles Darwin of survival of the fittest. As such they represent an intelligent exploitation of a random search within a defined search space to solve a problem.

History

genetic algorithmFirst pioneered by John Holland in the 60s, Genetic Algorithms has been widely studied, experimented and applied in many fields in engineering worlds. Not only does GAs provide an alternative methods to solving problem, it consistently outperforms other traditional methods in most of the problems link. Many of the real world problems involved finding optimal parameters, which might prove difficult for traditional methods but ideal for GAs. However, because of its outstanding performance in optimisation, GAs have been wrongly regarded as a function optimizer.

Herein, we will examine GAs as a number of different things:

  • GAs as problem solvers
  • GAs as challenging technical puzzle
  • GAs as basis for competent machine learning
  • GAs as computational model of innovation and creativity
  • GAs as computational model of other innovating systems
  • GAs as guiding philosophy

However, due to various constraints, we would only be looking at GAs as pro blem solvers and competent machine learning here. We would also examine how GAs is applied to completely different fields.

Many scientists have tried to create living programs. These programs do not merely simulate life but try to exhibit the behaviours and characteristics of a real organisms in an attempt to exist as a form of life. Suggestions have been made that alife would eventually evolve into real life. Such suggestion may sound absurd at the moment but certainly not implausible if technology continues to progress at present rates. Therefore it is worth, in our opinion, taking a paragraph out to discuss how Alife is connected with GAs and see if such a prediction is far fetched and groundless.

Brief Overview

GAs were introduced as a computational analogy of adaptive systems. They are modelled loosely on the principles of the evolution via natural selection, employing a population of individuals that undergo selection in the presence of variation-inducing operators such as mutation and recombination (crossover). A fitness function is used to evaluate individuals, and reproductive success varies with fitness.

The Algorithms

  • Randomly generate an initial population M(0)
  • Compute and save the fitness u(m) for each individual m in the current population M(t)
  • Define selection probabilities p(m) for each individual m in M(t) so that p(m) is proportional to u(m)
  • Generate M(t+1) by probabilistically selecting individuals from M(t) to produce offspring via genetic operators
  • Repeat step 2 until satisfying solution is obtained.

The paradigm of GAs descibed above is usually the one applied to solving most of the problems presented to GAs. Though it might not find the best solution. more often than not, it would come up with a partially optimal solution.

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2 Responses to Genetic Algorithms

  1. priyanka nayak says:

    Genetic algorithms constitute a part of soft computing which comes up with many real life applications. This article has easily summarized the concepts of GA

  2. Amit Kumar says:

    Genetic Algorithm is one of the finest search technique which is based on crossover and mutation concept .This article gives the brief idea of GA.

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