Critical analysis: bat algorithm-based investigation and application on several domains

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide the reader with a full study of the bat algorithm, including its limitations, the fields that the algorithm has been applied, versatile optimization problems in different domains and all the studies that assess its performance against other meta-heuristic algorithms. Design/methodology/approach Bat algorithm is given in-depth in terms of backgrounds, characteristics, limitations, it has also displayed the algorithms that hybridized with BA (K-Medoids, back-propagation neural network, harmony search algorithm, differential evaluation strategies, enhanced particle swarm optimization and Cuckoo search algorithm) and their theoretical results, as well as to the modifications that have been performed of the algorithm (modified bat algorithm, enhanced bat algorithm, bat algorithm with mutation (BAM), uninhabited combat aerial vehicle-BAM and non-linear optimization). It also provides a summary review that focuses on improved and new bat algorithm (directed artificial bat algorithm, complex-valued bat algorithm, principal component analyzes-BA, multiple strategies coupling bat algorithm and directional bat algorithm). Findings Shed light on the advantages and disadvantages of this algorithm through all the research studies that dealt with the algorithm in addition to the fields and applications it has addressed in the hope that it will help scientists understand and develop it. Originality/value As far as the research community knowledge, there is no comprehensive survey study conducted on this algorithm covering all its aspects.