GA's - Genetic Algorithms

A genetic algorithm is a piece of programing that lists a series of possibilities and a small chance of mutation. The best way to describe it is as a DNA strand. Just like a DNA sequence carries all the possibilities of eye, hair and skin color (and much more) a GA carries a library of possible shapes and colors (or any other attributes you wish to apply to it). And just like in a DNA sequence a GA can be weighted to more heavily favor a certain type of attribute. This means when you 'mate' two GA's they become parents to new GA's which carry the weights of their 'ancestors' but also have a percent chance of mutation. In biological terms it is a code that evolves generation to generation. This is usually set up with a set of peramiters or a goal in mind for the GA to achieve.