The spelling of the term "evolutionary computation" is determined by its pronunciation, which is [ɛvəˈluʃənɛri kɑmpjʊˈteɪʃən]. The phonetic symbols represent the sounds of the word, with "evolutionary" starting with the "eh" sound, followed by "vuh" and "loo". "Computation" begins with the "ka" sound and ends with "shun". The word is spelled using English orthography, with each letter corresponding to a specific sound. Spelling the term correctly is important for those in fields that employ evolutionary computation techniques.
Evolutionary computation refers to a subfield of artificial intelligence and computer science that focuses on problem-solving and optimization using evolutionary algorithms inspired by the principles of biological evolution. It involves the use of various computational techniques and algorithms to explore potential solutions to complex problems by simulating the process of natural selection and subsequent evolution.
In evolutionary computation, a population of potential solutions is created and subjected to iterative operations that mimic natural selection, including selection, reproduction, recombination, and mutation. These operations aim to mimic the mechanisms of genetic inheritance, reproduction, and mutation observed in biological systems, allowing for the exploration of solution spaces, adaptation, and the discovery of optimal or near-optimal solutions.
The main idea behind evolutionary computation is that through successive generations, the fittest individuals are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their advantageous traits to future generations, leading to an improvement in the overall fitness of the population. This iterative process of selection, reproduction, and variation facilitates the search for high-quality solutions in complex and often dynamic problem domains.
Evolutionary computation techniques are particularly useful in tackling problems that are difficult to solve using traditional computational methods, as they are able to explore a vast search space and efficiently handle high-dimensional, multi-objective, and non-linear optimization problems. They find applications in a wide range of fields, including engineering, finance, biology, scheduling, and data mining, among others.
The word "evolutionary computation" is derived from two key terms: "evolutionary" and "computation".
The term "evolutionary" is derived from the Latin word "evolutio", which means "unrolling" or "to unfold". It is related to the verb "evolvere", which means "to develop" or "to roll out". In the context of biology, "evolution" refers to the process of gradual development or change in organisms over successive generations.
The term "computation" refers to the process or act of performing mathematical calculations or logical operations using computers or other devices. It comes from the Latin verb "computare", which means "to calculate" or "to reckon".
When combined as "evolutionary computation", the phrase refers to a computational approach or method inspired by the principles of biological evolution to solve various problems.