How to solve optimisation problems with discrete search space using GA solver

hi friends,

I have a function

F(p1,p2,p3,p4,p5....pn) with input variables p1,p2....pn. Each input variable can have values from the set P which is subset of set {A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I}.

The input variables are objects having several properties. One of their properties are "building number" which can be one element from the set P which is subset of {A,B,C,D,E,F,G,H,I}. This is the property upon which the search space depends as mentioned above. I mean to select the population we use this property.

Now after selection, to calculate fitness score we use other properties of the variables p1,p2..pn.

I am thinking, can i solve this type of problem with GA solver? If not is there any alternative way?

Answer 1

[Alan Weiss]

You can use GA with mixed integer optimization. For an example of how to turn integer variables into your set P, see this example.

Alan Weiss

MATLAB mathematical toolbox documentation