MATLAB: How to save data from Genetic Algorithm in case MATLAB crashes

genetic algorithmiterationoptimisationoptimzation

Hi there,
I'm using the GA to find input parameters for my model. My fitness function is computationally expensive and takes about 2 days. In situation if MATLAB unexpectedly crashes, is there a way to save the data?
I have used the 'OutputFcn' option however this seems to save the data once my MATLAB finish the simulation. I purposely stop MATLAB and re-open it but can't seem to access the saved data.
If anyone have any useful tips to save simulation data while the simulation is running so I can access in case it crashes, I would be very grateful.
Many thanks,
How

Best Answer

It took a bit of trial and error, however this appears to work: 
    function [state,options,changed] = SaveOut(options,state,flag)
        file_name = 'SaveBest.mat';                                     % Name File
        if strcmp(flag,'iter')
            ibest = state.Best(end);
            ibest = find(state.Score == ibest,1,'last');
            bestx = state.Population(ibest,:);
            previous = load('SaveBest.mat');
            var = [previous.var; bestx];                                % Read Previous Results, Append New Value
            save(file_name, 'var')                                      % Write ‘Best Individual’ To File
        end
        changed = true;                                                 % Necessary For Code, Use  Appropriate Value
    end
It reads the existing saved values of ‘var’, appends the new value to the end of the matrix, then writes the new matrix to the .mat file.
It never occurred to me that this was even possible! I will use it in my longer optimisations from now on.
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