malv wrote: > How is your package different from a nn package? Is this an addon for > genetic programming or does it include the standard nn components as > well, such as backprop etc? > Not being very familiar with genetic programming, forgive me my naive > question, I could not immediately find the answer.
No one answered your question, so I will: Neural networks and genetic algorithms/programming are not closely related. A neural network is a model comprising a network of artificial neurons, and signals propagate from inputs, through the neurons of the network (which typically consists of several layers), and finally to the outputs. Algorithms exist to allow neural networks to be trained, so that given a set of inputs and desired outputs, one can iteratively come up with a neural network (of sufficient complexity) that satisfies that criterion. Neural networks can be used for things like pattern recognition and the like. Genetic algorithms/programming is an approach whereby you can start with a population of random programs, apply artificial selection by keeping those that do better at a task than others and genetic modification like mutation and crossover (simulation sexual reproduction) to create diversity, ultimately resulting (hopefully) in programs that are adept at the task. They could be used in conjunction with one another (for instance, a genetic algorithm where the program is represented by an array of neural network weights), but beyond intermixing ideas they really aren't related. -- Erik Max Francis && [EMAIL PROTECTED] && http://www.alcyone.com/max/ San Jose, CA, USA && 37 20 N 121 53 W && AIM erikmaxfrancis I never could have predicted / That I'd feel this way -- India Arie -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
