Evolutionary Computing

TL;DR

Evolutionary computing is a field that develops algorithms inspired by natural selection, with applications in optimization, modeling, simulation, and entertainment.

Contribution

This paper provides an overview of evolutionary computing concepts, components, types, and diverse application areas, serving as an introductory survey.

Findings

Evolutionary algorithms are based on Darwinian principles.

Different types of EAs have distinct characteristics.

Applications span multiple domains including optimization and entertainment.

Abstract

Evolutionary computing (EC) is an exciting development in Computer Science. It amounts to building, applying and studying algorithms based on the Darwinian principles of natural selection. In this paper we briefly introduce the main concepts behind evolutionary computing. We present the main components all evolutionary algorithms (EA), sketch the differences between different types of EAs and survey application areas ranging from optimization, modeling and simulation to entertainment.