Illustrating Evolutionary Computation with Mathematica download book

Book: Illustrating Evolutionary Computation with Mathematica

Author: Christian Jacob

Pages: 578

Format: PDF

Language: English

ISBN10: 1558606378

Review
Living organisms manage to solve all kinds of deviously complex problems with a natural simplicity that leaves programmers speechless. Incorporating techniques based on principles elaborated by Darwin and his intellectual descendents, a new generation of hackers has tackled hairy challenges with surprising success. Christian Jacob introduces interested programmers and scientists to these tools in Illustrating Evolutionary Computation with Mathematica, translated from German by the author. The basics of biological evolution through mutation and adaptation are covered quickly before they are adapted themselves to the purposes of computer-aided problem solving. Jacob then explores the fundamentals of evolutionary computing through well-illustrated examples and a good balance of text, formulae, and code. Genetic algorithms, evolutionary strategies, and finite state automata each get their share of attention and integration with Evolvica, Jacob's Mathematica-based genetic programming system. The system and Web enhancements to the book are available through the University of Calgary's site and are essential for getting the most from the text. The last few chapters cover advanced applications like the classic "hungry ants" programs, cellular automata, and artificial plant evolution, suggesting further possibilities for this programming frontier. Illustrating Evolutionary Computation with Mathematica is an excellent introduction and handbook for those wishing to harness the power of this vigorous new hybrid. --Rob Lightner
Review
"This book provides a thorough survey of evolutionary computation techniques, including genetic algorithms, genetic programming, evolutionary programming, and evolution strategies. The author uses mathematica to illustrate the examples. If you know mathematica, you'll find this unique angle to be invaluable, but even if you don't know mathematica, if you're familiar with any programming languages, or matlab, maple, etc., you should be able to make the connections. The figures in this book have to be the most illustrative examples offered in any evolutionary computation text to date. The text is easy to read and very informative." -- Review in IEEE Computer Magazine, June issue.