Development of a timetabling software using genetic algorithm

In this study, it is aimed to develop scheduling software based on genetic algorithm for the resource constrained course scheduling. In the Universities, preparing the lesson program (schedule) is a difficult NP-hard optimization problem that must be solved under the a lot of constraints as without a student, lecturer, or class conflict. Preparation of an algorithm that gives the exact solution is quite difficult for this kind of NP-hard optimization problems. Therefore, we need to heuristic algorithms that gives the simple and optimal solution to solve this kind of NP-hard optimization problem. Genetic algorithms which are based on the logic of science and subjected to genetic selection, are these kind of algorithms which use to solve NP-hard optimization problem and give the good results.In this study, a software for preparing automatic course scheduling has been developed to obtain optimal results using genetic algorithm. The Software was developed via MS Visual Studio 2010 using the C # programming language. To find the most appropriate approach as soon as possible, full genetic algorithm and part-genetic algorithm has been tested together. Real and randomly generated data has been used for the tests. Observed that when full genetic algorithm has been used since the start population that was randomly generated, is taking quite some time to find the appropriate solution. With part genetic algorithm which is used, appropriate solution is obtained much more quickly.