HS-Solver: Spreadsheet based harmony search algorithm solver for various optimization problems

Abstract

There has been an advance toward the development of many metaheuristic optimization algorithms inspired by various natural and artificial phenomena. While any algorithm should be coded to each particular optimization problem, an increase in interest arises for the development of software that can generally and effectively function. HS-Solver is an open-source software added in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet in order to solve various optimization problems including linear, nonlinear, and discrete models using a music-inspired harmony search algorithm. This paper shows the basic structure of HS-Solver and its functionality in optimization examples. © 2022 The Author(s)