Genetic Algorithms Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Genetic Algorithms - Essay Example (Jamshidi 2003). The preliminary step to a genetic algorithm is to identify a means of encoding any sort of possible solution. It is fundamental to discuss genetic algorithms as a step by step process, in order to truly grasp their method and function as well as to establish how a solution may be derived. Approaching the process in a linear fashion, one must begin with a binary string or in this case, randomly selected chromosomes in a somewhat large quantity. In order to arrive at a numerically relevant solution, a decoding of the binary strings or chromosomes is necessary. Each chromosome when decoded, will serve as a solution to a primary problem. The next step in this process is simply a test which will afford the more robust chromosomes a higher chance of being selected in the next process while somewhat weeding out those chromosomes which fail a fitness test. The numerical score assigned to each chromosome will be contingent on how useful it can prove to be in the process of solving a problem or providing a solution, â€Å"Your results are only as good as the fitness function†(Distributed Neuron, 2007). Naturally, the resulting scores assigned to each chromosome will be varied but will be somewhere between 1 and 5. Once each chromosome or binary string, is rated as per the fitness test, a somewhat random process of selection known as â€Å"wheel selection† will take place. Each chromosome within the initial random population will not have an equal chance at being selected, as mentioned earlier simply because those chromosomes with higher fitness values; will occupy a greater portion of the percentage of the w hole when given a slot on a pie chart. To better understand the wheel selection process and the probability of one chromosome being chosen over the other, we may understand the wheel process by thinking of it as a pie chart which as a whole represents 100% with each binary string or chromosome occupying a