Parameters

The genetic algorithm defined for this project (see Section 3 for a description of the algorithm) takes several parameters as input. The following parameters can be defined in the graphical interface (cf Figure 2, note that a short description is also displayed when you move the mouse pointer over the name of the parameter in the graphical interface):

Figure 2: Parameters to the algorithm.

Max # Edges Init Sol

Maximum number of edges that an invidual in the initial population may have.

Init Population Size

The size (i.e. number of individuals) of the initial population (randomly created).

Size of Population

The final size of the population. If the population exceeds this size, individuals are removed from it.

Min Difference

The minimum difference between the two parents to allow for crossover. If the difference between the two parents is smaller than the given value, a reproduction is performed. This parameter only matters when only valid genomes are considered.

# of Generations

The number of generations to be created. If the given value is 0, the algorithm runs `forever'.

Generation Delay (s)

The break between to generations in seconds. Allows to better follow the progress of the algorithm.

Crossover Probability

The probability of a crossover (number from 0 to 1). If there is no crossover, a reproduction is done.

Consider Only Valid Genomes

This option allows to indicate whether only valid genomes have to be considered. If checked, a genome has to be a valid path from the start to the end. Otherwise, all paths (which do not necessarily have to go from the start to the end) are taken into consideration.