Introduction to Evolutionary Computing

Abstract

This book is primarily a textbook for lecturers and graduate and undergraduate students.To this group the book offers a thorough introduction to evolutionary computing (EC), including the basics of all traditional variants (evolution strategies, evolutionary programming, genetic algorithms, and genetic programming); EC themes of general interest (such as algorithm parameter control, or constraint handling); a collection of particular EC techniques (e.g., niching, or coevolution); and an outlook to related areas (evolutionary art).This book is also meant for those who wish to apply EC to a particular problem or within a given application area.To this group the book is valuable because it presents EC as something to be used, rather than just being studied, and it contains an explicit treatment of guidelines for good experimentation.Last, but not least, this book contains information on the current state of the art in a wide range of subjects that are interesting to fellow researchers as quick reference on subjects outside of their own specialist field of evolutionary computing.The motivation behind the book is education oriented.Both authors have many years of teaching experience, that is, have taught EC many times, not only within the context context of a university, but also at EC-related summer schools for doctoral students, and at commercial courses for practitioners from business and industry.The lack of one good textbook that covers all necessary aspects of EC, contains the factual knowledge but also paying attention to the skills needed to use this technology has been repeatedly experienced.This resulted in a joint effort to fill this gap and produce the textbook both authors felt was missing.The educative role of the book is emphasised by the following features: 1.There are example applications in each chapter, except the chapter on theory.2. Each chapter closes with exercises and a list of recommended further reading.3.