What are the best practices for implementing simulated annealing?

What are the best practices for implementing simulated annealing?

When implementing simulated annealing, it's crucial to set an appropriate cooling schedule, choose a good initial solution, and define a suitable neighborhood structure.

Can you explain what a cooling schedule is?

A cooling schedule determines how the temperature decreases over time. A slower cooling schedule can help avoid local minima.

What are some common neighborhood structures used?

Common neighborhood structures include swapping elements, random perturbations, or more complex moves depending on the problem domain.

How do I choose the initial solution?

Choosing an initial solution can be done randomly or based on heuristics. A good starting point can significantly affect performance.

Are there any pitfalls to avoid?

Yes, avoid too rapid cooling, which can lead to suboptimal solutions, and ensure your neighborhood structure is well-defined.