These algorithms have proven themselves useful in a variety of optimization problems and have been given praise for their ease of implementation and near optimal solutions. Adaptation in Natural Artificial Systems . The University of Michigan Press, 1975. To characterize the sufficiency of an individual, a property fitness is defined for every individual. Mutation changes individuals randomly.
Crossover combines the properties of some individuals to new individuals.
These concepts are repeatedly applied to the population. Genetic Algorithms are inherently parallel and scalable. Adaptation in natural artificial systems . University of Michigan Press, 1975. Load balancing is important in a variety of architectures and the need for a general purpose adaptable algorithm is quite clear.