The Basic Gene Expression Algorithm

Abstract

The fundamental steps of the gene expression algorithm (GEA) are schematically represented in Figure 3.1. The process begins with the random generation of the chromosomes of a certain number of individuals (the initial population). Then these chromosomes are expressed and the fitness of each individual is evaluated against a set of fitness cases (also called selection environment which, in fact, is the input to a problem). The individuals are then selected according to their fitness (their performance in that particular environment) to reproduce with modification, leaving progeny with new traits. These new individuals are, in their turn, subjected to the same developmental process: expression of the genomes, confrontation of the selection environment, selection, and reproduction with modification. The process is repeated for a certain number of generations or until a good solution has been found.