Memetic algorithms

Abstract

Memetic algorithms (MA) has become one of the key methodologies behind solvers that are capable of tackling very large, real-world, optimization problems. They are being actively investigated in research institutions as well as broadly applied in industry. This chapter provides a pragmatic guide on the key design issues underpinningmemetic algorithms (MA) engineering. It begins with a brief contextual introduction to memetic algorithms and then moves on to define a pattern language for MAs. For each pattern, an associated design issue is tackled and illustrated with examples from the literature. The last section of this chapter "fast forwards" to the future and mentions what, in our mind, are the key challenges that scientists and practitioners will need to face if memetic algorithms are to remain a relevant technology in the next 20 years.