How should I Test a Genetic Algorithm

Question

I have made a quite few genetic algorithms; they work (they find a reasonable solution quickly). But I have now discovered TDD. Is there a way to write a genetic algorithm (whic

Answer 1

A test that the algorithm gives you the same result for the same input could help you but sometimes you will make changes that change the result picking behavior of the algorithm.

I would make the most effort to have a test that ensures that the algorithm gives you a correct result. If the algorithm gives you a correct result for a number of static seeds and random values the algorithm works or is not broken through the changes made.

Another chance in TDD is the possibility to evaluate the algorithm. If you can automatically check how good a result is you could add tests that show that a change hasn't lowered the qualities of your results or increased your calculating time unreasonable.

If you want to test your algorithm with many base seeds you maybe want to have to test suits one suit that runs a quick test for starting after every save to ensure that you haven't broken anything and one suit that runs for a longer time for a later evaluation