Splicer:

Splicer is a GENETIC ALGORITHM tool created by the Software Technology Branch (STB) of the Information Systems Directorate at NASA/Johnson Space Center with support from the MITRE Corporation. Splicer has well-defined interfaces between a GA kernel, representation libraries, FITNESS modules, and user interface libraries.

The representation libraries contain functions for defining, creating, and decoding genetic strings, as well as multiple CROSSOVER and MUTATION operators. Libraries supporting binary strings and permutations are provided, others can be created by the user.

Fitness modules are typically written by the user, although some sample applications are provided. The modules may contain a fitness function, initial values for various control parameters, and a function which graphically displays the best solutions.

Splicer provides event-driven graphic user interface libraries for the Macintosh and the X11 window system (using the HP widget set); a menu-driven ASCII interface is also available though not fully supported. The extensive documentation includes a reference manual and a user's manual; an architecture manual and the advanced programmer's manual are currently being written.

An electronic bulletin board (300/1200/2400 baud, 8N1) with information regarding Splicer can be reached at (713) 280-3896 or (713) 280-3892. Splicer is available free to NASA and its contractors for use on government projects by calling the STB Help Desk weekdays 9am-4pm CST at (713) 280-2233. Government contractors should have their contract monitor call the STB Help Desk; others may purchase Splicer for $221 (incl. documentation) from: COSMIC, 382 E. Broad St., Athens, GA 30602, USA. (Unverified 8/94). Last known address <bayer@galileo.jsc.nasa.gov> (Steve Bayer). This now bounces back with "user unknown".