Linear Genetic Programming examines the evolution of imperative computer programs written as linear sequences of instructions. In contrast to functional expressions or syntax trees used in traditional Genetic Programming (GP), Linear Genetic Programming (LGP) employs a linear program structure as genetic material whose primary characteristics are exploited to achieve acceleration of both execution time and evolutionary progress. Online analysis and optimization of program code lead to more efficient techniques and contribute to a better understanding of the method and its parameters. In particular, the reduction of structural variation step size and non-effective variations play a key role in finding higher quality and less complex solutions. This volume investigates typical GP phenomena such as non-effective code, neutral variations and code growth from the perspective of linear GP.

"Linear Genetic Programming presents a variant of genetic programming (GP) that evolves imperative computer programs as linear sequences of instructions, in contrast to the more traditional functional expressions or syntax trees. Primary characteristics of linear program structure are exploited to achieve acceleration of both execution time and evolutionary progress. Online analysis and optimization of program code lead to more efficient techniques and contribute to a better understanding of the method and its parameters. In particular, the reduction of structural variation step size and non-effective variations play a key role in finding higher quality and less complex solutions. Typical GP phenomena, such as non-effective code, neutral variations, and code growth are investigated from the perspective of linear GP.

Fundamental Analysis.- Basic Concepts of Linear Genetic Programming.- Characteristics of the Linear Representation.- A Comparison with Neural Networks.- Method Design.- Linear Genetic Operators I - Segment Variations.- Linear Genetic Operators II - Instruction Mutations.- Analysis of Control Parameters.- A Comparison with Tree-Based Genetic Programming.- Advanced Techniques and Phenomena.- Control of Diversity and Variation Step Size.- Code Growth and Neutral Variations.- Evolution of Program Teams.- Epilogue.