Hands-On Genetic Algorithms with Python

Using niching and sharing to find multiple solutions

In Chapter 2, Understanding the Key Components of Genetic Algorithms, we mentioned that niching and sharing in genetic algorithms mimic the way a natural environment is divided into multiple sub-environments, or niches. These niches are populated by different species, or sub-populations, taking advantage of the unique resources available in each niche, while specimens that coexist in the same niche have to compete over the same resources. Implementing a sharing mechanism within the genetic algorithm will encourage individuals to explore new niches and can be used for finding several optimal solutions, each considered a niche. One common way to accomplish sharing is to divide the raw fitness ...