🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <1318@cogsci.ucsd.EDU>, miller@cogsci.ucsd.EDU (Jeff Miller) writes:
> 
> I have seen several general algorithms (eg Simplex) to search for
> parameter settings that minimize functions of real-valued parameters.
> 
> Are there also algorithms to search for settings that minimize
> functions of INTEGER-valued parameters?
> 
> Or, better yet, are there search algorithms for the case in which
> functions take both integer and real parameters?
> 
> Or is there a good trick with which a real-valued search algorithm
> (like Simplex) can be used with integer-valued parameters?
> 
> Any information relevant to this problem would be appreciated.
> 
> Jeff Miller
> Professor of Psychology
> UC San Diego
> jomiller@ucsd.edu

Genetic Algorithms can be used to find minima of any function -
functions that are real or integer valued, funtions that depend
on integer or real parameters, etc. See David Goldberg, "Genetic
Algorithms in Machine Learning" (title might be wrong). 

I have a Pascal routine that implements a simple genetic algorithm
(uses only reproduction, crossover and mutation operators). If
you need it I can email it to you.

Ravi K. Prasanth
Graduate Student
School of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Purdue University.