Genetic Algorithm Evolver Screensaver
The Genetic Algorithm Evolver screensaver runs a real genetic algorithm live, evolving a population of random strings toward a target phrase over generations. It is free, runs in your browser, and ESC exits.
How the Genetic Algorithm Evolver screensaver works
The saver starts with a real population of random character strings, each scored by a real fitness function measuring closeness to a hidden target phrase.
The fittest real strings are more likely to be selected as parents, whose characters combine through real crossover to produce the next generation.
A small real mutation rate occasionally flips a random character, introducing new genetic variation the population can select on.
Once a string in the population exactly matches the target, it holds briefly to show the winning genome, then a fresh target and population begin.
A worked example
Early generations look like pure noise, but real correct characters that happen to appear get selected for and preserved, so recognizable fragments of the target phrase emerge well before the full match.
Settings & tips
- Accent recolours the fittest individual each generation.
- Selection, crossover and mutation are all real, unscripted operations.
- A fresh target phrase begins automatically once a perfect match evolves.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this a real genetic algorithm?
- Yes — real selection, crossover and mutation, the same core operators used in real evolutionary computation.
- Does it always find the target?
- Yes, eventually — with real mutation continually introducing variation, the population reliably converges given enough generations.
- Is a key needed?
- No — it is a pure local computation.
- Is it free?
- Yes — free, no download, in your browser.