Beyond ‘Novel’ Metaphor-based Metaheuristics: An Interactive Algorithm Design Software

Metaheuristics are optimization techniques that can be adapted to different problem domains. They are considered general algorithms that have been successful in solving various problems. However, the increase in redundant ‘novel’ metaheuristics lacking solid validation has become a criticized trend in the research area. In this work, we present a software tool offering interactive development and metaheuristics customization. This software is based on a standard and theoretical framework for analyzing, modifying, and generating metaheuristics. We take advantage of this framework to examine some algorithms recently reported as innovative in the literature and reveal their true nature. Plus, these tools enable rapid prototyping of metaheuristics and allow for static validation experimentation and comparison of algorithms. It helps in the refinement and fine-tuning of the metaheuristics. We present a case study demonstrating the proposed tool's effectiveness, which promises influential scientific contributions and unlocks the potential of metaheuristics.