Evolutionary algorithm

An evolutionary algorithm (also EA, Evolutionary Computation, Artificial Evolution) is an algorithm using evolutionary techniques inspired by natural selection to find an optimal configuration for a specific system within specific constraints.

This form of artificial evolution is often used to design engineering systems in the place of manual design where the complexity of the optimisation problem is beyond human comprehension.

It is also used as an experimental framework within which to validate theories about natural selection.

Includes genetic algorithms. Strongly related to the discipline of artificial life.

External links

• Evolutionary Computation Repository (http://www.fmi.uni-stuttgart.de/fk/evolalg/)
• Evolutionary Computing European Network Of Excellence (http://evonet.dcs.napier.ac.uk/)
• Project DEMO at Brandeis (http://www.demo.cs.brandeis.edu)