On Monday, The MathWorks unveiled a Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox for their MATLAB technical computing application. It features tools for using genetic and direct search algorithms, extending MATLAB’s optimization capabilities in the process. This offers new ways for engineers and scientists to tackle problems that are difficult to solve with traditional optimization techniques.
The Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox’s functions are accessible through a graphic user interface or the MATLAB command line, and they’re written in the MATLAB open source language, which allows users to modify the code and create custom functions. In addition, it automatically generates MATLAB code so that routines can be re-used or automated.
The Genetic Algorithm and Direct Search Toolbox requires MATLAB and the Optimization Toolbox, which runs on Mac OS X v10.1.4 or higher and needs a G3 or G4 processor, 128MB RAM (256MB recommended) and 90MB of hard drive space (215MB if MATLAB Online Help is also loaded). Pricing starts at US$700.