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Does it still use a genetic algorithm and is this necessary? I'd guess there is some kind of MIP or IP solver solution that you can just call out to, but that c
by 7thaccount 2y ago
Does it still use a genetic algorithm and is this necessary? I'd guess there is some kind of MIP or IP solver solution that you can just call out to, but that could be extremely wrong for all I know.
- hermitcrab 2y agoYes, it still uses a genetic algorithm which is capable of producing decent solutions for thousands of seats in the time you can drink a coffee. Also it is highly specialized for the nuances of seating plans (do you want your partner sitting to the left of right, which tables are near each other, do you want to alternate genders).
- 7thaccount 2y agoYeah, that's cool, but I'm curious if an algorithm exists for that problem that is actually globally optimal. My understanding is that genetic algorithms can get stuck in local minimums. I guess it doesn't really matter though if you can just do a simple check at the end to see if all the rules have been met.
- hermitcrab 2y agoPretty much any optimization algorithm (apart from brute force) can get stuck at a local optima. Often with seating plans it isn't possible to satisfy all criteria. Generally you can only sit next to 2 other people. Combinatorial optimization problems are hard.