The FAIRy Tale of Genetic Algorithms

Abstract: Genetic Algorithm (GA) is a popular meta-heuristic evolutionary algorithm that uses stochastic operators to find optimal solution and has proved its effectiveness in solving many complex optimization problems (such as classification, optimization, and scheduling). However, despite its performance, popularity and simplicity, not much attention has been paid towards reproducibility and reusability of GA. In this paper, we have extended Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) data principles to enable the reproducibility and reusability of algorithms. We have chosen GA as a usecase to the demonstrate the applicability of the proposed principles. Also we have presented an overview of methodological developments and variants of GA that makes it challenging to reproduce or even find the right source. Additionally, to enable FAIR algorithms, we propose a vocabulary (i.e. $evo$) using light weight RDF format, facilitating the reproducibility. Given the stochastic nature of GAs, this work can be extended to numerous Optimization and machine learning algorithms/methods.