ABSTRACT
Particle Swarm Optimization is one of the most simple and robust Evolutionary Optimization Algorithm (EOA). It has been widely implemented to solve problems belonging to different fields like economics, engineering, etc. the method emulates the behavior of a flock of birds or a school of fishes. The chapter starts with the terminology required for understanding the optimization technique. The evolution of Particle Swarm Optimization is presented in the next section of the chapter. Another section is used to discuss the fundamental concept of the optimization technique. Algorithm and Pseudocode is presented in the chapter for practical understanding of the topic. It is followed by the flowchart, explaining the required flow of control for the optimization technique. A very important part of the chapter then presents an example which shows a step by step solution of Particle Swarm Optimization for a standard optimization problem for two iterations. This section shall be highly helpful for those who have just started their study of the topic. Last section of the chapter discusses the different variants and hybrid versions of Particle Swarm Optimization. The chapter contains 6 figures and 17 tables for illustrative explanation.
