Mapping the Structure and Evolution of Genetic Algorithm Research: A Scientometric Analysis and Visualization

Genetic algorithm is a kind of random search algorithm that draws on the natural selection and natural genetic mechanism. It is widely used in many different disciplines. This paper uses the scientific measurement analysis system to summarize the research topics and current status of genetic algorithms. 17551 articles from 2010 to 2019 were investigated from the Web of Science Core Collection. Introduced the largest author co-citation network and the most influential journals. The disciplines and topics involved in genetic algorithm research were identified. A visualization network of genetic algorithm knowledge structure is established. A more in-depth study of citations has been carried out to explore emerging areas and hotspots of related research. The results of this study provide practitioners with a better understanding of genetic algorithms and help researchers do further research.