ESDL: A simple description language for population-based evolutionary computation

A large proportion of publications in the field of evolutionary computation describe algorithm specialisation and experimentation. Algorithms are variously described using text, tables, flowcharts, functions or pseudocode. However, ambiguity that can limit the efficiency of communication is common. Evolutionary System Definition Language (ESDL) is a conceptual model and language for describing evolutionary systems efficiently and with reduced ambiguity, including systems with multiple populations and adaptive parameters. ESDL may also be machine-interpreted, allowing algorithms to be tested without requiring a hand-coded implementation, as may already be done using the esec framework. The style is distinct from existing notations used within the field and is easily recognisable. This paper describes the case for ESDL, provides an overview of ESDL and examples of its use.