This book offers a clear and comprehensive introduction to the field of evolutionary computation: the use of evolutionary systems as computational processes for solving complex problems. Over the past decade, the field has grown rapidly as researchers in evolutionary biology, computer science, engineering, and artificial life have furthered our understanding of evolutionary processes and their application in computational systems. Although many excellent books have covered specific areas of evolutionary computations, this one is noteworthy for approaching genetic algorithms, evolution strategies, genetic programming, and so on as specific instances of a more general class of evolutionary algorithms.