PragmaticBookshelf
Genetic Algorithms in Elixir (PragProg)
Sean Moriarity @seanmor5
edited by Tammy Coron @Paradox927
From finance to artificial intelligence, genetic algorithms are a powerful tool with a wide array of applications. But you don’t need an exotic new language or framework to get started; you can learn about genetic algorithms in a language you’re already familiar with. Join us for an in-depth look at the algorithms, techniques, and methods that go into writing a genetic algorithm. From introductory problems to real-world applications, you’ll learn the underlying principles of problem solving using genetic algorithms.
Evolutionary algorithms are a unique and often overlooked subset of machine learning and artificial intelligence. Because of this, most of the available resources are outdated or too academic in nature, and none of them are made with Elixir programmers in mind.
Start from the ground up with genetic algorithms in a language you are familiar with. Discover the power of genetic algorithms through simple solutions to challenging problems. Use Elixir features to write genetic algorithms that are concise and idiomatic. Learn the complete life cycle of solving a problem using genetic algorithms. Understand the different techniques and fine-tuning required to solve a wide array of problems. Plan, test, analyze, and visualize your genetic algorithms with real-world applications.
Open your eyes to a unique and powerful field—without having to learn a new language or framework.
Sean Moriarity graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in Computer Science. Sean was first introduced to genetic algorithms while on a summer internship which inspired him to write Genex, a library for writing evolutionary algorithms in Elixir. Many of the problems and solutions you’ll encounter in this book were inspired from the lessons learned while developing Genex. Sean’s passions include functional programming, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and, of course, evolutionary algorithms.
- Full details: https://pragprog.com/book/smgaelixir/
- View this book’s portal and details on how to post errata and suggestions here.
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Most Liked
seanmor5
@kokolegorille Author here. Thanks for sharing! If anybody has any questions or comments about the book, feel free to PM me!
kokolegorille
A new Elixir resource is available
qhwa
Exactly correct for me
I’ve been using genetic algorithm in one of our products where we needed to solve a problem similar to the Vehicle Routing Problem and this book helped a lot. While there are a lot of solutions for VRP, I think genetic algorithm is still interesting as the fitness function can be easily extended as the business evolves.
One thing I find hard when using genetic algorithms is modeling the problem, or how to present the solution better. I would be very happy If the book can provide more help on it.
BradS2S
My oldest is in AP Bio. I’m always looking for ways to tie programming (my interest) into what she likes to do. We had a pretty fun conversation about evolution and how to simulate it using computer modeling.
Really enjoyed this book and got to impress the lady next to me on the airplane. ![]()
kokolegorille
I liked the book and did not find it difficult to read, I learned a subject I did not really know.
Maybe it’s because I have studied Biology instead of CS, and I know what genetic is…
Terminology was familiar 







