A novel hybrid genetic algorithm for solving Sudoku puzzles

In this article, a novel hybrid genetic algorithm is proposed. The selection operator, crossover operator and mutation operator of the genetic algorithm have effectively been improved according to features of Sudoku puzzles. The improved selection operator has impaired the similarity of the selected chromosome and optimal chromosome in the current population such that the chromosome with more abundant genes is more likely to participate in crossover; such a designed crossover operator has possessed dual effects of self‐experience and population experience based on the concept of tactfully combining PSO, thereby making the whole iterative process highly directional; crossover probability is a random number and mutation probability changes along with the fitness value of the optimal solution in the current population such that more possibilities of crossover and mutation could then be considered during the algorithm iteration. The simulation results show that the convergence rate and stability of the novel algorithm has significantly been improved.