A basic variant of the PSO algorithm works by having a population (called a swarm) of [[candidate solution]]s (called particles). These particles are moved around in the search-space according to a few simple formulae.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=Y.|title=A Comprehensive Survey on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Applications|journal=Mathematical Problems in Engineering|date=2015|volume=2015|page=931256|url=http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/2015/931256}}</ref> The movements of the particles are guided by their own best known position in the search-space as well as the entire swarm's best known position. When improved positions are being discovered these will then come to guide the movements of the swarm. The process is repeated and by doing so it is hoped, but not guaranteed, that a satisfactory solution will eventually be discovered. | A basic variant of the PSO algorithm works by having a population (called a swarm) of [[candidate solution]]s (called particles). These particles are moved around in the search-space according to a few simple formulae.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Zhang|first1=Y.|title=A Comprehensive Survey on Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm and Its Applications|journal=Mathematical Problems in Engineering|date=2015|volume=2015|page=931256|url=http://www.hindawi.com/journals/mpe/2015/931256}}</ref> The movements of the particles are guided by their own best known position in the search-space as well as the entire swarm's best known position. When improved positions are being discovered these will then come to guide the movements of the swarm. The process is repeated and by doing so it is hoped, but not guaranteed, that a satisfactory solution will eventually be discovered. |