TY - JOUR
T1 - Algorithm 1060: EDOLAB, a Platform for Research and Education in Evolutionary Dynamic Optimization
AU - PENG, Mai
AU - YAZDANI, Delaram
AU - YAZDANI, Danial
AU - SHE, Zeneng
AU - LUO, Wenjian
AU - LI, Changhe
AU - BRANKE, Juergen
AU - NGUYEN, Trung Thanh
AU - GANDOMI, Amir H.
AU - YANG, Shengxiang
AU - JIN, Yaochu
AU - YAO, Xin
PY - 2026/3
Y1 - 2026/3
N2 - Many real-world optimization problems exhibit dynamic characteristics, posing significant challenges for traditional optimization methods. Evolutionary Dynamic Optimization Algorithms (EDOAs) have been developed to address these challenges by adapting to changing environments over time. However, the reproducibility and consistency of experimental results in the literature remain limited due to the lack of publicly available source codes and the complexity of accurately re-implementing algorithms and performance evaluation protocols. To support the community, we introduce Evolutionary Dynamic Optimization LABoratory (EDOLAB), an open source MATLAB platform designed for both research and educational purposes. EDOLAB includes 27 EDOAs, four highly configurable benchmark generators, and a growing suite of performance indicators. The platform supports full parameter tuning, batch experiment management, parallel execution, and automated statistical comparisons—including rankings, significance testing, box plots, and performance trend visualizations over time. An educational application allows users to observe: (a) dynamic changes in a 2D problem landscape, (b) the movement of individuals in response to these changes, and (c) the ability of an algorithm to track moving optima. By providing an integrated environment for experimentation, benchmarking, and instructional use, EDOLAB promotes reproducibility, comparative analysis, and a deeper understanding of EDOAs in dynamic environments.
AB - Many real-world optimization problems exhibit dynamic characteristics, posing significant challenges for traditional optimization methods. Evolutionary Dynamic Optimization Algorithms (EDOAs) have been developed to address these challenges by adapting to changing environments over time. However, the reproducibility and consistency of experimental results in the literature remain limited due to the lack of publicly available source codes and the complexity of accurately re-implementing algorithms and performance evaluation protocols. To support the community, we introduce Evolutionary Dynamic Optimization LABoratory (EDOLAB), an open source MATLAB platform designed for both research and educational purposes. EDOLAB includes 27 EDOAs, four highly configurable benchmark generators, and a growing suite of performance indicators. The platform supports full parameter tuning, batch experiment management, parallel execution, and automated statistical comparisons—including rankings, significance testing, box plots, and performance trend visualizations over time. An educational application allows users to observe: (a) dynamic changes in a 2D problem landscape, (b) the movement of individuals in response to these changes, and (c) the ability of an algorithm to track moving optima. By providing an integrated environment for experimentation, benchmarking, and instructional use, EDOLAB promotes reproducibility, comparative analysis, and a deeper understanding of EDOAs in dynamic environments.
KW - Dynamic optimization problems
KW - evolutionary dynamic optimization
KW - benchmarking platform
KW - educational tools
KW - algorithm analysis
KW - reproducible research
KW - MATLAB software
U2 - 10.1145/3785134
DO - 10.1145/3785134
M3 - Journal Article (refereed)
SN - 0098-3500
VL - 52
JO - ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software
JF - ACM Transactions on Mathematical Software
IS - 1
M1 - 4
ER -