Create a new Genetic Algorithm Project

The user can create a new Genetic Algorithm and executed immediately. The application have a very easy and yet powerfull dynamic wizard for this job. By selecting File->New GA from the application's menu, the wizard component is showing on. The wizard can display not only the standard elements of the GAJLib library, but also all the user defined extensions of the library, such as custom evaluation functions and genetic operators.

Step 1 - Representation

In the first form, the wizard displays the representation configuration. By this form, the user is able to select and configure the appropriate representation. On the left side is the list with the available representations and on the right side are the configuration options of the selected representation. The user can set the number of genes, the minimum and the maximum range values. In case of the selected representation is the Binary Representation, there are two more options available, the type and the precision of the encoded value. Additionally the user can switch to the advanced view and set these options separate for every gene.

Binary Representation
Binary Representation

Double Representation
Double Representation

Double Representation - Advanced View
Double Representation - Advanced View

Step 2 - GA General Settings and Evaluation Function

After the representation form, the general settings and evaluation function form follows. The user can adjust the population size, the recombination and mutation probabilities, switch on or off the elitism, give a project title and finally select and configure an evaluation function. If the selected evaluation function require special options, these options will be placed on the right side of the list.

GA Parameters and Evaluation Function
GA Parameters and Evaluation Function

Step 3 - Initializer

The third form is for the selection of the population initialisation. By default there is only one option available in the list, however the user can create custom initialisers and extend the list. On the right side of the list, the wizard displays the configuration options of the selected list item.

Initializer
Initializer

Steps 4 and 5 - GA Operators

The following next two forms are responsible for the selection and the configuration of the genetic operators. On the right side of the list, the wizard displays the configuration options of the selected item.

Recombination Operator
Recombination Operator

Mutation Operator
Mutation Operator

Step 6 - Natural Selection

Then, the next form is the selection of the Natural Selection method. A natural selection is responsible for the selection strategy of the chromosomes that will join the next generation.

Natural Selection
Natural Selection

Step 7 - Selection

After the Natural Selection, the selection of mates method follows. This form is also based in the same logic of displaying the configuration options on the right side of the list.

Selection
Selection

Step 8 - Termination Conditions

The final configuration form is the selection of the termination conditions. The user can select, configure an create complex termination condition trees for the Genetic Algorithm.

Termination Conditions
Termination Conditions

After the successful completion of the wizard, the user selects the type of the Evolution History file, and the application executes the Genetic Algorithm. For further information, please procced into the Executing and Visualising a Genetic Algorithm section.

Evolve
Evolve dialog