Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2017 July 8

= July 8 =

Genetic algo as subfield of ML
Are genetic algorithms actually a subfield of machine learning? That is, are they just like rule-based machine learning algorithms? If not, what sets them apart? --Clipname (talk) 16:20, 8 July 2017 (UTC)
 * Automated trying out everything, documenting the results and then sort for the best is considered an "machine learning algorithm" now? --Kharon (talk) 10:45, 9 July 2017 (UTC)
 * That is not remotely an adequate characterisation of genetic algorithms - it's not even a characterisation of random search. GAs which only use mutation degenerate into random search, but typically GAs use crossover and/or other recombination techniques as a major operation to create the next generation. Crossover will remix traits, and in combination with selection will tend to relatively quickly combine advantageous traits and thus find good solutions to optimisation problems. Yes, GAs are generally considered a form of machine learning, and are discussed in many ML books and classes. Also see Learning classifier systems. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 21:49, 9 July 2017 (UTC)
 * If we stick to the basic definition, "computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed." then yes. It's clear that they are aware of genetic algorithm technics in machine learning. And vice versa, you can apply ML to genetic algorithms. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Hofhof (talk • contribs) 19:27, 9 July 2017 (UTC)

Store file and folder timestamps in SVN
I know that SVN does not actually record any of the timestamps associated with a file or a folder (e.g., last access time, modification time, change time, birth/creation time). How can I store these with the properties feature? All I need is some kind of shell script that I can put in the root of my SVN projects that will go through files and folders recursively and store them as an SVN property. I don't how to use SVN properties and I haven't seen a concise description of how to record them, so help with that would be appreciated. — Melab±1 &#9742; 21:49, 8 July 2017 (UTC)
 * Just to be sure: You are referring to Apache Subversion, the revision control system, right? SVN is a disambiguation page. --Stephan Schulz (talk) 08:59, 10 July 2017 (UTC)