A new selection operator to improve the performance of genetic algorithm for optimization problems

Nature-inspired algorithms, such as Particle swarm optimization (PSO), Ant colony optimization (ACO), and Firefly algorithm, are well known for solving NP-hard optimization problems. They are capable of obtaining optimal solutions in a reasonable time. The algorithm presented in this paper is a combination of a firefly mating concept and genetic algorithm. Genetic algorithm is used as the core of the algorithm while a firefly mating concept is used to compose a new selection operator. The proposed algorithm is tested on four standard benchmark functions. Experimental results have confirmed that the proposed algorithm is not only computationally more efficient than both the original firefly algorithm and the genetic algorithm but also almost always ensure the optimal solutions. © 2013 IEEE.