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 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 for selecting an individual is directly proportionate to its fitness value. This is...