In the early days of computing the complexity of computer programs was
limited by the speed and memory size of the hardware available. Now i
t is limited by the difficulty of managing and writing the software. H
owever, even the most sophisticated programs perform relatively simple
tasks compared to those of biological organisms. This leads to the qu
estion. 'Are there any advantages to be gained in mimicking the biolog
ical method of 'producing' control systems, namely evolution?' In this
paper some of the current simulations of the evolutionary process are
examined with a view to seeing whether these approaches can be adapte
d to code production.