DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING SOFTWARE CODE BASED ON A GENETIC ALGORITHM

Abstract

Genetic algorithms imply generating & combining of different solutions with the subsequent gradual improvement in accordance to a certain efficiency criteria. In international practice, genetic algorithms are used to solve various optimization issues — in particular, those which concern the software development. The utilization of the genetic algorithms for optimization of the program code is a very promising direction that offers extra automation in terms of search for effective and productive solutions in the software development process. Genetic algorithms contribute to increasing of the code performance, improving its structure and reducing resource consumption, which is crucial in today’s competitive world. Despite the fact that this method has certain limitations and flaws, the constant improving of algorithms & increasing of computing capabilities step by step make it widely accessible in the software development circumstances of the real world. Creation of the neural network for automatic code optimization (as well as the development of a program that directly modifies the code) is an extremely resource-intensive task. Even provided that the network of powerful computers is involved into processing, such heavy tasks can lead to system slowdowns, periodic system freezes and the need for constant reboots for stabilization purposes. This not only slows down the development process, but also makes it financially unprofitable for many companies. Genetic algorithms provide an opportunity to optimize the amount of necessary resources, which is an extremely important factor in software development. In general, there is no doubt that in the future the utilization of the genetic algorithms will become increasingly widespread. The range of tasks that are solved using these algorithms (as well as the quality and pace of solving of these tasks) justify their [genetic algorithms’] long-term prospects and popularity. Given the relevance of the research topic, the hereby article considers the theoretical foundations of genetic algorithms and their utilization in regards of the code optimization, and also suggests several ways of development of a method for the optimization of the program code based on the genetic algorithms.