Symbolic regression (SR) is one of the most powerful machine learning techniques that produces transparent models, searching the space of mathematical expressions for a model that represents the relationship between the predictors and the dependent variable without the need of taking assumptions about the model structure. Currently, the most prevalent learning algorithms for SR are based on genetic programming (GP), an evolutionary algorithm inspired from the well-known principles of natural selection. This book is an in-depth guide to GP for SR, discussing its advanced techniques, as well as examples of applications in science and engineering.

The basic idea of GP is to evolve a population of solution candidates in an iterative, generational manner, by repeated application of selection, crossover, mutation, and replacement, thus allowing the model structure, coefficients, and input variables to be searched simultaneously. Given that explainability and interpretability are key elements for integrating humans into the loop of learning in AI, increasing the capacity for data scientists to understand internal algorithmic processes and their resultant models has beneficial implications for the learning process as a whole.

This book represents a practical guide for industry professionals and students across a range of disciplines, particularly data science, engineering, and applied mathematics. Focused on state-of-the-art SR methods and providing ready-to-use recipes, this book is especially appealing to those working with empirical or semi-analytical models in science and engineering.

Several datasets have been used for examples in the book. Downloads are available on the datasets page.

A list of recent software implementation and other resources can be found on the software page.