Dakota Reference Manual: initialization_type

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initialization_type

Specify how to initialize the population

## Specification

Alias: none

Argument(s): none

Default: unique_random

Child Keywords:

| Required/Optional | Description of Group | Dakota Keyword | Dakota Keyword Description
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
| Required (Choose One) | Initialization Type (Group 1) | simple_random | Create random initial solutions
unique_random | Create random initial solutions, but enforce uniqueness (default)
flat_file | Read initial solutions from file

## Description

The `initialization_type` defines how the initial population is created for the GA. There are three types:

1. `simple_random`
2. `unique_random` (default)
3. `flat_file`

Setting the size for the `flat_file` initializer has the effect of requiring a minimum number of designs to create. If this minimum number has not been created once the files are all read, the rest are created using the `unique_random` initializer and then the `simple_random` initializer if necessary.