Abstract
In this paper we present a new tool for the encoding of multi-level finite state machines based on the concept of evolution programming. Evolution programs are stochastic adaptive algorithms, based on the paradigm of genetic algorithms whose search methods model some natural phenomenon: genetic inheritance and Darwinian strife for survival. Crossover and mutation rates were tailored to the state assignment problem experimentally. We present results over a wide range of MCNC benchmarks which demonstrate the effectiveness of the new tool. The results show that evolution programs can be effectively applied to state assignment.