Genetic algorithm to approximate a target image using semi-transparent rectangles.

Inspired by this blog post and this book.

go run pop.go -i "input.jpg"

1. Generate a number of DNA elements with randomly sized and colored rectangles.
2. Repeat the following:
   1. Calculate a fitness value for every element by comparing it to the target image.
   2. Repeat the following until a new population of the same size is created:
      1. Select two elements while favoring elements with high fitness value.
      2. Combine the two elements into a new DNA element.
      3. Randomly mutate the newly created DNA.

After waiting for a good ten minutes we get something that vaguely resembles the Mona Lisa:

On the other hand, it can replicate a red square quite easily:

And it gets pretty close to the Windows XP wallpaper as well: