Selection methods
Selection is used at the beginning of each cycle of the genetic algorithm flow to pick individuals from the current population that will be used as parents for the individuals of the next generation. The selection is probability-based, and the probability of an individual being picked is tied to its fitness value, in a way that it gives an advantage to individuals with higher fitness values.
The following sections describe some of the commonly used selection methods and their characteristics.
Roulette wheel selection
In the roulette wheel selection method, also known as fitness proportionate selection (FPS), the probability of selecting an individual is directly proportionate to its fitness value. This is comparable to using a roulette wheel in a casino and assigning each individual a portion of the wheel proportional to its fitness value. When the wheel is turned, the odds of each individual being selected are proportional to the size of the portion of the...