Evolutionary computation: a unified approach

TLDR: Ken De Jong carefully builds up a picture of the influences of selection, mutation and recombination on the behaviour of EAs, and takes a unified approach to EC theory.

Abstract: While Lawrence Fogel, John Holland, Ingo Rechenberg and others were the undoubted pioneers of the field we now know as evolutionary algorithms (EA), or evolutionary computation (EC), Ken De Jong’s doctoral thesis of 1975 deserves much of the credit for firing the enthusiasm of several research communities in the practical exploration of these methods. Moreover, as he has taken a very active part in the development of the field through the last 30 years, there could scarcely be anyone better placed to write a book on evolutionary computation. As the subtitle of his book promises, De Jong takes a unified approach. His first 4 chapters carefully explain and differentiate, whilst putting in their historical context, the common aspects of different EC paradigms (evolutionary programming—EP, evolution strategies—ES and genetic algorithms—GA). Chapters 1–4 use clear examples, rather than too many mathematical symbols. They form a truly superb introduction. Any novice coming to EC should come away with an excellent grasp of the basics. In chapter 5 he discusses the different uses to which EAs have been put as problem-solvers. The greater part is devoted to optimization (OPT-EA), with shorter sections on search, machine learning, and automated programming. There is a final, very brief, section on adaptive EAs. In the optimization part, considerable care is taken in the organisation of his material—again, presumably, with the novice in mind. Chapter 6 is the longest, and focuses on EC theory. De Jong carefully builds up a picture of the influences of selection, mutation and recombination on the behaviour of EAs. If you are expecting theory in the sense of a comprehensive, general model with well-understood effects, you will be disappointed. There are equations, but the argument is in fact founded on a series of experiments, whose results are displayed in a series of graphs. That is not to say that the insights gained are incorrect, or