2 Search, Evolutionary Algorithms and Genetic Programming

Evolutionary algorithms are heuristic search techniques within the broadly defined domain of artificial intelligence. Problem solving is a common application of artificial intelligence, where search is the framework for problem solving with computers. How does an evolutionary algorithm implement and carry out search? This chapter describes the process of search, the elements required to carry out search and different search strategies. Traditional search is described first, followed by common heuristic methods. The evolutionary algorithm is then described, showing how it addresses the task of problem solving by means of search. After introducing and describing genetic programming, the chapter concludes by discussing two important research issues: scalability and representation.