Meta-Heuristics: An Overview

Meta-heuristics are the most recent development in approximate search methods for solving complex optimization problems, that arise in business, commerce, engineering, industry, and many other areas. A meta-heuristic guides a subordinate heuristic using concepts derived from artificial intelligence, biological, mathematical, natural and physical sciences to improve their performance. We shall present brief overviews for the most successful meta-heuristics. The paper concludes with future directions in this growing area of research.