Body: <p>In the paper <a href="https://fardapaper.ir/mohavaha/uploads/2020/03/Fardapaper-Moth-flame-optimization-algorithm-A-novel-nature-inspired-heuristic-paradigm.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Moth-flame optimization algorithm: A novel nature-inspired heuristic paradigm</a> (2015, published in <a href="https://www.journals.elsevier.com/knowledge-based-systems" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Knowledge-Based Systems</a>)</p>
  <blockquote>
  <p>The test functions are divided to three groups: unimodal, multi-modal, and composite. The unimodal functions (<span class="math-container">$F1 - F7$</span>) are suitable for benchmarking the <strong>exploitation</strong> of algorithms since they have one global optimum and no local optima. In contrary, multi-modal functions (<span class="math-container">$F8 - F13$</span>) have a massive number of local optima and are helpful to examine <strong>exploration</strong> and local optima avoidance of algorithms</p>
  </blockquote>
  <p>I imagine that exploration means it goes searching for something in unknown regions from a starting point. But exploitation would search more around the starting (or current point).</p>
  <p>It is more or less that? What else differentiates both concepts?</p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2020-11-08T11:25:14.453Z
Comments.Text: In the specific context of reinforcement learning (which can also be thought of as a collection of optimization techniques), _exploitation_ means "to choose the best current action", while _exploration_ means "to choose a random action". However, in your context, these terms seem to be used slightly differently. However, to provide a reasonable answer to your question, we should also know what a _test function_ is in this context. Either you explain it, or we need to read the paper.
Comments.UserDisplayName: nbro
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2020-11-10T22:58:39.567Z
Comments.Text: Test functions are fitness functions, such as the sum of (Xi)², going from 1 to n,. This if f1 for instance. From F1 to F7, all are sum of Xi after doing something else with it. All except F6, that it is the max value of the |xi| from 1 to n.
Comments.UserDisplayName: user2752471
Tags: <comparison><optimization><exploration-exploitation-tradeoff><meta-heuristics><moth-flame-optimization>
Title: What is the difference between exploitation and exploration in the context of optimization?
UserDisplayName: user2752471
ThreadText: # What is the difference between exploitation and exploration in the context of optimization?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2020-11-07)
  
  In the paper [Moth-flame optimization algorithm: A novel nature-inspired heuristic paradigm](https://fardapaper.ir/mohavaha/uploads/2020/03/Fardapaper-Moth-flame-optimization-algorithm-A-novel-nature-inspired-heuristic-paradigm.pdf) (2015, published in [Knowledge-Based Systems](https://www.journals.elsevier.com/knowledge-based-systems))
  
  > The test functions are divided to three groups: unimodal, multi-modal, and composite. The unimodal functions ($F1 - F7$) are suitable for benchmarking the **exploitation** of algorithms since they have one global optimum and no local optima. In contrary, multi-modal functions ($F8 - F13$) have a massive number of local optima and are helpful to examine **exploration** and local optima avoidance of algorithms
  
  I imagine that exploration means it goes searching for something in unknown regions from a starting point. But exploitation would search more around the starting (or current point).
  
  It is more or less that? What else differentiates both concepts?
  
  **Tags:** comparison, optimization, exploration-exploitation-tradeoff, meta-heuristics, moth-flame-optimization
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: In the specific context of reinforcement learning (which can also be thought of as a collection of optimization techniques), _exploitation_ means "to choose the best current action", while _exploration_ means "to choose a random action". However, in your context, these terms seem to be used slightly differently. However, to provide a reasonable answer to your question, we should also know what a _test function_ is in this context. Either you explain it, or we need to read the paper.  
  > **username_0**: Test functions are fitness functions, such as the sum of (Xi)², going from 1 to n,. This if f1 for instance. From F1 to F7, all are sum of Xi after doing something else with it. All except F6, that it is the max value of the |xi| from 1 to n.  
  
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  ## 0 answers
  
  