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Gene Expression Programming (GEP) is an evolutionary algorithm that automatically creates computer programs. These computer programs can take many forms: they can be conventional mathematical models, neural networks, decision trees, sophisticated nonlinear models, logistic nonlinear regressors, nonlinear classifiers, complex polynomial structures, logic circuits and expressions, and so on. But irrespective of their complexity, all GEP programs are encoded in very simple linear structures – the chromosomes. These chromosomes are special because, no matter what, they always encode a valid computer program. So we can mutate them and then select the best ones to reproduce and then create more programs and so on, endlessly. This is, of course, one of the prerequisites for having a system evolving efficiently, searching for better and better solutions as it tries to solve a particular problem.


Automatic Generation of Computer Programs

If you want to know how simple linear chromosomes can be used to automatically generate complex computer programs, see the 2001 Complex Systems paper Gene Expression Programming: A New Adaptive Algorithm for Solving Problems, which is freely available online. Or you can read a shorter online tutorial for a quick introduction to Gene Expression Programming. Other online tutorials are also available for faster and more informal expositions.

For more advanced topics, all my GEP papers are freely available online both in pdf format and html. The 1st edition of my GEP book is also freely available online, but you should also check the 2nd Springer edition which was substantially revised and extended with five new chapters, including a chapter describing two new algorithms for decision tree induction with GEP.


GEP Software – GeneXproTools 4.3

To see and understand how GEP works, you can download GeneXproTools 4.3 and play with it. GeneXproTools is a commercial product, but the Demo is fully functional for a wide set of well-known real-world problems:

 Classification:

• Iris Virginica
• Breast Cancer Diagnosis
• Credit Approval
• Ionosphere

 Logistic Regression:

• Mammography
• Diabetes Diagnosis
• Australian Credit Approval
• Gamma Particles

 Nonlinear Regression:

• Concrete Compressive Strength
• Housing Prices
• Auto MPG
• Servo System

 Time Series Prediction:

• Dow Jones
• Exchange Rate
• Earthquakes
• Sunspots

 Logic Synthesis:

• Exclusive OR
• Nand
• If(A,B,C)
• 6-Multiplexer