This brief provides a detailed introduction discussion and bibliographic review of the
nature1-inspired optimization algorithm called Harmony Search. It uses a large number of
simulation results to demonstrate the advantages of Harmony Search and its variants and also
their drawbacks. The authors show how weaknesses can be amended by hybridization with other
optimization methods. The Harmony Search Method with Applications will be of value to
researchers in computational intelligence in demonstrating the state of the art of research on
an algorithm of current interest. It also helps researchers and practitioners of electrical and
computer engineering more generally in acquainting themselves with this method of vector-based
optimization.
