Intermediate · Research
Particle swarm optimization (PSO)
Visual diagram · (in preparation) · Math · (in preparation) · Worked example · 3 difficulty levels.
TL;DR. An optimization algorithm where particles move through a search space, influenced by their own best-known positions and the swarm's best.
Technical Definition
An optimization algorithm where particles move through a search space, influenced by their own best-known positions and the swarm's best.
How it works
Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a population-based stochastic optimization technique inspired by social behavior, like bird flocking. Particles 'fly' through the search space, adjusting their velocity based on their personal best experiences and the best experiences of the entire swarm.
Related Concepts
- Optimization — The mathematical process of finding parameter values that minimize a loss function.
- Evolutionary computation — A family of optimization algorithms that mimic biological evolution to solve problems.