The methods are benchmarked against well-known metaheuristics like Genetic Algorithms, Tabu Search, heterogeneous GAs, Estimation of Distribution Algorithms, etc. Also, a publicly available software tool is offered to reduce the learning curve in applying these techniques. The three final chapters will use the classic problem of βvehicle routingβ and the hot topics of βad-hoc mobile networksβ and βDNA genome sequencingβ to clearly illustrate and demonstrate the power and utility of these algorithms.