In optimization (a branch of mathematics) and search algorithms (a topic in computer science), a candidate solution is a member of a set of possible solutions to a given problem. A candidate solution does not have to be a likely or reasonable solution to the problem – it is simply in the set that satisfies all constraints.
The space of all candidate solutions is called the feasible region, feasible set, search space, or solution space.
In the case of the genetic algorithm, the candidate solutions are the individuals in the population being evolved by the algorithm.
Famous quotes containing the words candidate and/or solution:
“The Republicans have a me too candidate running on a yes but platform, advised by a has been staff.”
—Adlai Stevenson (19001965)
“The Settlement ... is an experimental effort to aid in the solution of the social and industrial problems which are engendered by the modern conditions of life in a great city. It insists that these problems are not confined to any one portion of the city. It is an attempt to relieve, at the same time, the overaccumulation at one end of society and the destitution at the other ...”
—Jane Addams (18601935)