What are Genetic Algorithms?

Genetic algorithms are general-purpose search algorithms based upon the principles of evolution observed in nature. Genetic algorithms combine selection , crossover , and mutation operators with the goal of finding the best solution to a problem. Genetic algorithms search for this optimal solution until a specified termination criterion is met.

The solution to a problem is called a chromosome . A chromosome is made up of a collection of genes which are simply the parameters to be optimized. A genetic algorithm creates an initial population (a collection of chromosomes), evaluates this population, then evolves the population through multiple generations (using the genetic operators discussed above) in the search for a good solution for the problem at hand.

Genetic algorithms can be applied to a wide variety of optimization problems such as scheduling, computer games, stock market trading, medical, adaptive control, transportation, the traveling salesmen problem, etc.