Genetic Algorithms in C++

Rating:
Summary: Misleading title, hard to follow, disappointing.
Review: I found this book to be a disappointment. It was hard to follow and lacked explainations in some areas. Too much space was spent on random number theory. Don't let the title mislead you; the source code requires C++ with a visual framework (OWL or MFC). I've seen better; skip this one.

Rating:
Summary: mediocre, but code may be of use
Review: The introduction to the basic concepts of GA's was hard to follow, compared to others I've read. In addition, there were several typos and a paragraph that ended in the middle of a key sentence. Also, I would have preferred code for a console app. IMO, the visual stuff just gets in the way of understanding what's going on.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: This is an excellent introduction to genetic algorithms. It is best if you know a little bit about software but the book is so well written that even someone who knows nothing about programming will be able to grasp the basic concepts. I had never heard of genetic algorithms before reading this book. When I tried the first "black box" program I was amazed at how quickly the GA found the solution. Seeing evolution in action had a profound impact on me. If some fundamentalist creationists read this book, and saw how natural selection can be used to find creative solutions to difficult problems, it might open their minds to Darwin.

This book deals with a wide variety of intersting and practical topics such as random number generators and finite state machines. I found the section on robotic ants to be the most interesting. It almost makes you wonder if it is possible to create life in a computer (I guess it depends on how you define life).

The only minor complaint I have is that the examples are written for Microsoft Windows which means that the code is cluttered with a lot of GUI garbage. I would have preferred plain old C or C++ or even pseudo code.