ABSTRACT
Optimization is defined as a systematic procedure of ‘making anything better’. Here, an attempt has been made to introduce the reader with the basic concept of optimization and single-objective mathematical programming technique. It starts with generalized reduced gradient and derivative-based optimization. Emphasis has been given for discussing various traditional methods such as Descent Method, Gradient-Based Method, Steepest Descent Method and Newton’s Method. After discussing all traditional methods, Soft Computing is introduced and discussed in an elaborate way, highlighting its difference from Hard Computing. The chapter ends with the conclusion that ‘as the development of soft computing progresses in several multidisciplinary areas, such as physics, chemistry, biology and material science’, computer scientists must be aware of their roles and brace themselves for greater advancement in the near future.
