What are the differences between genetic algorithms and genetic programming?

terminology genetic-algorithm genetic-programming
bjrnt picture bjrnt · Sep 29, 2010 · Viewed 25.2k times · Source

I would like to have a simple explanation of the differences between genetic algorithms and genetic programming (without too much programming jargon). Examples would also be appreciated.

Apparently, in genetic programming, solutions are computer programs. On the other hand, genetic algorithms represent a solution as a string of numbers. Any other differences?

Answer

JohnIdol picture JohnIdol · Sep 29, 2010

Genetic algorithms (GA) are search algorithms that mimic the process of natural evolution, where each individual is a candidate solution: individuals are generally "raw data" (in whatever encoding format has been defined).

Genetic programming (GP) is considered a special case of GA, where each individual is a computer program (not just "raw data"). GP explore the algorithmic search space and evolve computer programs to perform a defined task.

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