Qualities, challenges and future of genetic algorithms: a literature review

Genetic algorithms, computer programs that simulate natural evolution, are increasingly applied across many disciplines. They have been used to solve various optimisation problems from neural network architecture search to strategic games, and to model phenomena of adaptation and learning. Expertise on the qualities and drawbacks of this technique is largely scattered across the literature or former, motivating an compilation of this knowledge at the light of the most recent developments of the field. In this review, we present genetic algorithms, their qualities, limitations and challenges, as well as some future development perspectives. Genetic algorithms are capable of exploring large and complex spaces of possible solutions, to quickly locate promising elements, and provide an adequate modelling tool to describe evolutionary systems, from games to economies. They however suffer from high computation costs, difficult parameter configuration, and crucial representation of the solutions. Recent developments such as GPU, parallel and quantum computing, conception of powerful parameter control methods, and novel approaches in representation strategies, may be keys to overcome those limitations. This compiling review aims at informing practitioners and newcomers in the field alike in their genetic algorithm research, and at outlining promising avenues for future research. It highlights the potential for interdisciplinary research associating genetic algorithms to pulse original discoveries in social sciences, open ended evolution, artificial life and AI.