| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Definition | ||
| Evolutionary algorithm | An evolutionary algorithm (also EA, artificial evolution) indicates a subset of evolutionary computation, which is a part of artificial intelligence. It is a generic term used to indicate any population-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm that uses mechanisms inspired by biological evolution, such as reproduction, mutation, recombination (see genetic operators), natural selection and survival of the fittest. Candidate solutions to the optimization problem play the role of individuals in a population, and the cost function determines the environment within which the solutions "live" (see also fitness function). Evolution of the population then takes place after the repeated application of the above operators. (references) | ||
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| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Evolutionary algorithm | Computing | Evolutionary algorithm (EA) An algorithm which incorporates aspects of natural selection or survival of the fittest. An evolutionary algorithm maintains a population of structures (usually randomly generated initially), that evolves according to rules of selection, recombination, mutation and survival, referred to as genetic operators. A shared "environment" determines the fitness or performance of each individual in the population. The fittest individuals are more likely to be selected for reproduction (retention or duplication), while recombination and mutation modify those individuals, yielding potentially superior ones. EAs are one kind of evolutionary computation and differ from genetic algorithms. A GA generates each individual from some encoded form known as a "chromosome" and it is these which are combined or mutated to breed new individuals. EAs are useful for optimization when other techniques such as gradient descent or direct, analytical discovery are not possible. Combinatoric and real-valued function optimization in which the optimization surface or fitness landscape is "rugged", possessing many locally optimal solutions, are well suited for evolutionary algorithms. (1995-02-03). Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing.. | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
