Metavolv.py is a computer program that searches for a better set of parameters for some other program, which we call the target program. The target program determines what "better" means, and it writes a merit value to the screen. The parameters appear in a configuration file for the target program. Although metavolv.py is written in Python, the target program can be any executable file that meets two conditions: It must read a configuration file to get values for parameters, and it must eventually write a result to the screen. Metavolv will repeatedly execute the target program, each time re-writing the configuration file with new parameter values. Metavolv.py will use two other Python files, modify.py and editThis.py. The three files together comprise the program. Metavolv is primarily designed for stochastic target programs, and also for those that require significant execution time. For such programs we cannot be sure of finding a global optimum in a reasonable time span; we are primarily interested in improving the set of parameters that we start with. Hence we are primarily attempting to move toward a local optimum.
The Metavolv package, with thorough documentation, is a free download from the URL below. Mitchell Timin -- I'm proud of http://ANNEvolve.sourceforge.net. If you want to write software, or articles, or do testing or research for ANNEvolve, let me know. Humans may know that my email address is: (but remove the 3 digit number) zenguy at shaw666 dot ca -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-announce-list Support the Python Software Foundation: http://www.python.org/psf/donations.html
