7 Stopping Criterion

A generation consists of the production of a new population in a generational algorithm. A similar definition is used for a steady-state algorithm. A maximum number of generations usually defines the stopping criterion in genetic programming. However, when it is possible to achieve an ideal fitness, this can also serve as the stopping criterion. In this thesis, a maximum generation number is used, regardless of whether the ideal fitness is achieved. Other criteria are possible, such as a measure of diversity loss or a lack of fitness improvement.