Learning search algorithm: framework and comprehensive performance for solving optimization problems

Abstract

In this study, the Learning Search Algorithm (LSA) is introduced as an innovative optimization algorithm that draws inspiration from swarm intelligence principles and mimics the social learning behavior observed in humans. The LSA algorithm optimizes the search process by integrating historical experience and real-time social information, enabling it to effectively navigate complex problem spaces. By doing so, it enhances its global development capability and provides efficient solutions to challenging optimization tasks. Additionally, the algorithm improves the collective learning capacity by incorporating teaching and active learning behaviors within the population, leading to improved local development capabilities. Furthermore, a dynamic adaptive control factor is utilized to regulate the algorithm’s global exploration and local development abilities. The proposed algorithm is rigorously evaluated using 40 benchmark test functions from IEEE CEC 2014 and CEC 2020, and compared against nine established evolutionary algorithms as well as 11 recently improved algorithms. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the LSA algorithm, as it achieves the top rank in the Friedman rank-sum test, highlighting its power and competitiveness. Moreover, the LSA algorithm is successfully applied to solve six real-world engineering problems and 15 UCI datasets of feature selection problems, showcasing its significant advantages and potential for practical applications in engineering problems and feature selection problems.