Playground Overview
Interactive environment for testing and comparing optimization algorithms
Playground Overview
The Rastion Playground is an interactive web-based environment that allows you to test, compare, and analyze optimization algorithms in real-time. It provides a powerful interface for experimenting with different algorithms and parameters without needing to set up local development environments.
What is the Playground?
The Playground is a cloud-based execution environment that combines the power of the Qubots framework with an intuitive web interface, enabling:
Real-time Execution
Run optimizations directly in your browser with immediate results
Parameter Tuning
Adjust algorithm parameters with intuitive controls and see the impact
Visual Analytics
Visualize optimization progress and results with interactive charts
Algorithm Comparison
Compare multiple algorithms side-by-side on the same problem
Interface Overview
Main Components
The Playground interface consists of several key areas:
Problem Selection Panel
Choose from available optimization problems:
- Problem Categories: Browse by domain (TSP, MaxCut, VRP, etc.)
- Problem Details: View problem descriptions and parameters
- Instance Selection: Choose specific problem instances
- Custom Problems: Upload and test your own problems
Optimizer Selection Panel
Select optimization algorithms to test:
- Algorithm Categories: Browse by type (exact, heuristic, metaheuristic)
- Compatibility Check: See which optimizers work with selected problems
- Algorithm Details: View optimizer descriptions and parameters
- Custom Optimizers: Upload and test your own algorithms
Getting Started
Step 1: Access the Playground
- Navigate to rastion.com/playground
- Log in to your Rastion account
- The playground interface will load with default selections
Step 2: Select a Problem
- Browse Categories: Click on a problem category (e.g., “Combinatorial Optimization”)
- Choose Problem: Select a specific problem (e.g., “Maximum Cut Problem”)
- Review Details: Read the problem description and default parameters
- Configure Instance: Adjust problem parameters if needed
Example problem selection:
Step 3: Choose an Optimizer
- View Compatible Optimizers: See algorithms that can solve the selected problem
- Select Algorithm: Choose an optimizer (e.g., “OR-Tools MaxCut Solver”)
- Review Parameters: Check default algorithm parameters
- Customize Settings: Adjust parameters for your experiment
Example optimizer selection:
Step 4: Run Optimization
- Review Configuration: Verify problem and optimizer settings
- Start Execution: Click the “Run Optimization” button
- Monitor Progress: Watch real-time progress updates
- View Results: Analyze results when optimization completes
Parameter Configuration
Problem Parameters
Customize problem instances with intuitive controls:
Slider Controls
For numerical parameters like graph size or density:
Dropdown Menus
For categorical parameters:
Text Inputs
For complex parameters:
Optimizer Parameters
Fine-tune algorithm behavior:
Performance Settings
Algorithm-Specific Options
Execution and Monitoring
Real-time Progress
Monitor optimization progress with live updates:
Progress Indicators
- Overall Progress: Percentage completion
- Current Best: Best solution found so far
- Iterations: Number of algorithm iterations
- Time Elapsed: Runtime since start
Live Charts
- Convergence Plot: Solution quality over time
- Resource Usage: CPU and memory consumption
- Search Progress: Algorithm-specific metrics
Execution Controls
Manage running optimizations:
- Run: Start the optimization
- Pause: Temporarily pause execution
- Stop: Terminate optimization early
- Restart: Reset and run again with same parameters
Results Analysis
Solution Visualization
View optimization results in multiple formats:
Numerical Results
Solution Details
Visual Representations
- Graph Visualization: For graph problems (TSP tours, graph cuts)
- Route Maps: For routing problems (VRP, TSP)
- Convergence Charts: Solution quality over time
- Performance Metrics: Detailed algorithm statistics
Comparison Tools
Compare multiple optimization runs:
Side-by-Side Comparison
Performance Charts
- Quality vs Time: Compare convergence speed
- Parameter Sensitivity: How parameters affect performance
- Scalability Analysis: Performance on different problem sizes
Advanced Features
Batch Experiments
Run multiple experiments automatically:
- Parameter Sweeps: Test different parameter combinations
- Algorithm Comparison: Compare multiple algorithms systematically
- Statistical Analysis: Multiple runs for statistical significance
- Automated Reporting: Generate comprehensive experiment reports
Custom Uploads
Test your own optimization components:
Upload Problem
Upload Optimizer
Export and Sharing
Share your experiments with others:
- Export Results: Download results as CSV, JSON, or PDF
- Share Configuration: Generate shareable links to experiment setups
- Embed Results: Embed interactive charts in presentations
- Collaboration: Invite team members to view and modify experiments
Integration with Development Workflow
Local Development
Use playground results to guide local development:
Leaderboard Preparation
Use the playground to prepare for leaderboard submissions:
- Test Algorithm: Verify your algorithm works correctly
- Tune Parameters: Find optimal parameter settings
- Validate Performance: Ensure consistent results
- Submit to Leaderboard: Submit with confidence
Best Practices
Effective Experimentation
- Start Simple: Begin with default parameters
- Change One Thing: Modify one parameter at a time
- Document Results: Keep notes on what works
- Compare Systematically: Use consistent evaluation criteria
Performance Optimization
- Monitor Resources: Watch CPU and memory usage
- Tune Time Limits: Balance quality and speed
- Test Scalability: Try different problem sizes
- Validate Robustness: Test on multiple instances
Collaboration
- Share Configurations: Use shareable links for team collaboration
- Document Insights: Add comments to experiment results
- Discuss Results: Use community features to discuss findings
- Learn from Others: Study successful configurations from the community