Introduction

Abstract

In this chapter, some general knowledge relative to the realm of nature-inspired optimization algorithms (NIOA) is introduced. The desirable merits of these intelligent algorithms and their initial successes in many fields have inspired researchers to continuously develop such revolutionary algorithms and implement them to solve various real-world problems. Such a truly interdisciplinary environment of the research and development provides rewarding opportunities for scientific breakthrough and technology innovation. After a brief introduction to computational intelligence and its application in optimization problems, the history of the NIOA was reviewed. The relevant algorithms were then categorized in different manners. Finally, one the most groundbreaking theorems regarding the nature-inspired optimization techniques was briefly discussed.