GUIParameters all refactored and commented.

30 files changed, 1036 insertions, 651 deletions

diff --git a/src/jcgp/JCGP.java b/src/jcgp/JCGP.java
index ee42792..538f677 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/JCGP.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/JCGP.java
@@ -169,25 +169,25 @@ public class JCGP {
 			problem.evaluate(population, (Resources) resources);
 			report();
 
-			if (resources.getInt("currentGen") < resources.getInt("generations")) {
+			if (resources.currentGeneration() < resources.generations()) {
 				// we still have generations left to go
 				if (problem.isPerfectSolution(population.getChromosome(evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome()))) {
 					// solution has been found, start next run
-					resources.println("[CGP] Solution found on generation " + resources.getInt("currentGen") + ", chromosome: " + evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome());
+					resources.println("[CGP] Solution found, generation " + resources.currentGeneration() + ", chromosome " + evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome());
 					
-					if (resources.getInt("currentRun") < resources.getInt("runs")) {
+					if (resources.currentRun() < resources.runs()) {
 						// there are still runs left
-						resources.set("currentRun", resources.getInt("currentRun") + 1);
-						resources.set("currentGen", 0);
+						resources.setCurrentRun(resources.currentRun() + 1);
+						resources.setCurrentGeneration(0);
 						
 						// start a new population
-						population = new Population((Resources) resources);
+						population.reinitialise();
 					} else {
 						// no more generations and no more runs, we're done
 						finished = true;
 					}
 				} else {
-					resources.set("currentGen", resources.getInt("currentGen") + 1);
+					resources.setCurrentGeneration(resources.currentGeneration() + 1);
 				}
 			} else {
 				// the run has ended, check if any more runs must be done
@@ -195,13 +195,13 @@ public class JCGP {
 						+ population.getChromosome(evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome()).getFitness()
 						+ " by chromosome " + evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome());
 
-				if (resources.getInt("currentRun") < resources.getInt("runs")) {
+				if (resources.currentRun() < resources.runs()) {
 					// the run has ended but there are still runs left
-					resources.set("currentRun", resources.getInt("currentRun") + 1);
-					resources.set("currentGen", 0);
+					resources.setCurrentRun(resources.currentRun() + 1);
+					resources.setCurrentGeneration(0);
 					
 					// start a new population
-					population = new Population(resources);
+					population.reinitialise();;
 				} else {
 					// no more generations and no more runs, we're done
 					finished = true;
@@ -214,16 +214,16 @@ public class JCGP {
 	}
 	
 	private void report() {
-		if (resources.getInt("report") > 0) {
-			if (resources.getInt("currentGen") % resources.getInt("report") == 0) {
-				resources.println("[CGP] Generation: " + resources.getInt("currentGen") + ", fitness: " + population.getChromosome(evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome()).getFitness());
+		if (resources.report() > 0) {
+			if (resources.currentGeneration() % resources.report() == 0) {
+				resources.println("[CGP] Generation: " + resources.currentGeneration() + ", fitness: " + population.getChromosome(evolutionaryStrategy.getFittestChromosome()).getFitness());
 			}
 		}
 	}
 
 	public void start() {
 		if (!finished) {
-			while (resources.getInt("currentGen") <= resources.getInt("generations")) {
+			while (resources.currentGeneration() <= resources.generations()) {
 				nextGeneration();
 				if (finished) {
 					break;
@@ -236,8 +236,8 @@ public class JCGP {
 	public void reset() {
 		finished = false;
 		population = new Population(resources);
-		resources.set("currentGen", 1);
-		resources.set("currentRun", 1);
+		resources.setCurrentGeneration(1);
+		resources.setCurrentRun(1);
 		resources.println("-----------------------------");
 		resources.println("New experiment: " + problem.toString());
 	}
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/Module.java b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/Module.java
index 8a95737..a6b4d73 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/Module.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/Module.java
@@ -4,6 +4,6 @@ import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.Parameter;
 
 public interface Module {
 	
-	public abstract Parameter[] getLocalParameters();
+	public abstract Parameter<?>[] getLocalParameters();
 	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/MuPlusLambda.java b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/MuPlusLambda.java
index 53fb932..67236f9 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/MuPlusLambda.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/MuPlusLambda.java
@@ -25,11 +25,11 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 	public MuPlusLambda(final Resources resources) {
 		parents = new IntegerParameter(1, "Parents") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue + offspring.get() != resources.getInt("popSize")) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() + offspring.get() != resources.populationSize()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Parents + offspring must equal population size.");
-				} else if (newValue <= 0) {
+				} else if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("EA needs at least 1 parent.");
 				} else {
@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 		};
 		offspring = new IntegerParameter(4, "Offspring") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue + parents.get() != resources.getInt("popSize")) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() + parents.get() != resources.populationSize()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Parents + offspring must equal population size.");
-				} else if (newValue <= 0) {
+				} else if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("EA needs at least 1 offspring.");
 				} else {
@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 		};
 		report = new BooleanParameter(false, "Report") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(boolean newValue) {
+			public void validate(Boolean newValue) {
 				// nothing
 			}
 		};
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 		fittestChromosome = 0;
 		
 		if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[ES] Selecting fittest chromosome...");
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("popSize"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.populationSize(); i++) {
 			if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[ES] Chromosome " + i + ", fitness: " + population.getChromosome(i).getFitness());
 			if (population.getChromosome(i).getFitness() >= population.getChromosome(fittestChromosome).getFitness()) {
 				fittestChromosome = i;
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 		if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[ES] Selected chromosome: " + fittestChromosome);
 		
 		// create copies of fittest chromosome, mutate them
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("popSize"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.populationSize(); i++) {
 			if (i != fittestChromosome) {
 				if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[ES] Copying fittest chromosome to population position " + i);
 				population.copyChromosome(fittestChromosome, i);
@@ -83,6 +83,8 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 			}
 		}
 		
+		if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[ES] Generation is complete.");
+		
 	}
 
 	@Override
@@ -91,7 +93,7 @@ public class MuPlusLambda implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public Parameter[] getLocalParameters() {
+	public Parameter<?>[] getLocalParameters() {
 		return new Parameter[] {parents, offspring, report};
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/TournamentSelection.java b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/TournamentSelection.java
index 3954de8..8286101 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/TournamentSelection.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/es/TournamentSelection.java
@@ -1,7 +1,5 @@
 package jcgp.backend.modules.es;
 
-import java.util.HashMap;
-
 import jcgp.backend.modules.mutator.Mutator;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Population;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.Resources;
@@ -13,22 +11,18 @@ public class TournamentSelection implements EvolutionaryStrategy {
 	private int fittestChromosome;
 	
 	private IntegerParameter tournament;
-	private HashMap<String, Parameter> localParameters;
 	
 	public TournamentSelection() {		
 		tournament = new IntegerParameter(1, "Tournament size") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				// TODO this
 			}
 		};
-		
-		localParameters = new HashMap<String, Parameter>();
-		localParameters.put("tournament", tournament);
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public Parameter[] getLocalParameters() {
+	public Parameter<?>[] getLocalParameters() {
 		return new Parameter[] {tournament};
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/fitness/TestCaseProblem.java b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/fitness/TestCaseProblem.java
index 4259285..7dd24af 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/fitness/TestCaseProblem.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/fitness/TestCaseProblem.java
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ public abstract class TestCaseProblem<U> extends Problem {
 		
 		maxFitness = new IntegerParameter(0, "Max fitness", true, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				// blank
 			}
 		};
@@ -67,14 +67,14 @@ public abstract class TestCaseProblem<U> extends Problem {
 	@Override
 	public void evaluate(Population population, Resources resources) {
 		// for every chromosome in the population
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("popSize"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.populationSize(); i++) {
 			// assume an initial fitness of 0
 			int fitness = 0;
 			// for each test case
 			for (int t = 0; t < testCases.size(); t++) {
 				population.getChromosome(i).setInputs(testCases.get(t).getInputs());
 				// check each output
-				for (int o = 0; o < resources.getInt("outputs"); o++) {
+				for (int o = 0; o < resources.outputs(); o++) {
 					if (population.getChromosome(i).getOutput(o).calculate() == testCases.get(t).getOutput(o)) {
 						fitness++;
 					}
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ public abstract class TestCaseProblem<U> extends Problem {
 	}
 	
 	@Override
-	public Parameter[] getLocalParameters() {
+	public Parameter<?>[] getLocalParameters() {
 		return new Parameter[]{maxFitness};
 	}
 	
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/mutator/PointMutator.java b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/mutator/PointMutator.java
index 1f38cfe..ab8efad 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/modules/mutator/PointMutator.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/modules/mutator/PointMutator.java
@@ -18,11 +18,11 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 	public PointMutator(final Resources resources) {
 		mutationRate = new DoubleParameter(50, "Percent mutation", false, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(double newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0 || newValue > 100) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.doubleValue() <= 0 || newValue.doubleValue() > 100) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Mutation rate must be > 0 and <= 100");
-				} else if ((int) ((newValue / 100) * resources.getDouble("nodes")) <=  0) {
+				} else if ((int) ((newValue.doubleValue() / 100) * (double) resources.nodes()) <=  0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.WARNING;
 					status.setDetails("With mutation rate " + mutationRate.get() + ", 0 genes will be mutated.");
 				} else {
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 		
 		report = new BooleanParameter(false, "Report") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(boolean newValue) {
+			public void validate(Boolean newValue) {
 				// blank
 			}
 		};
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 
 	@Override
 	public void mutate(Chromosome chromosome, Resources resources) {
-		int mutations = (int) ((mutationRate.get()) * ((((resources.getDouble("nodes")) + (resources.getDouble("outputs")))) / 100));
+		int mutations = (int) ((mutationRate.get()) * (((((double) resources.nodes() + resources.outputs()))) / 100));
 		if (report.get()) resources.reportln("[Mutator] Number of mutations to be performed: " + mutations);
 		for (int i = 0; i < mutations; i++) {
 			MutableElement m = chromosome.getRandomMutableElement();
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 				
 				if (report.get()) resources.reportln("to " + ((Output) m).getSource().toString());
 			} else if (m instanceof Node) {
-				int geneType = resources.getRandomInt(1 + resources.getInt("arity"));
+				int geneType = resources.getRandomInt(1 + resources.arity());
 				if (geneType < 1) {
 					if (report.get()) resources.report("changed function from " + ((Node) m).getFunction().getName() + " ");
 					
@@ -62,7 +62,7 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 					
 					if (report.get()) resources.reportln("to " + ((Node) m).getFunction().getName());
 				} else {
-					int connection = resources.getRandomInt(resources.getInt("arity"));
+					int connection = resources.getRandomInt(resources.arity());
 					if (report.get()) resources.report("changed connection " + connection + " from " + ((Node) m).getConnection(connection) + " ");
 					
 					m.setConnection(connection, chromosome.getRandomConnection(((Node) m).getColumn()));
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ public class PointMutator implements Mutator {
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public Parameter[] getLocalParameters() {
+	public Parameter<?>[] getLocalParameters() {
 		return new Parameter[] {mutationRate, report};
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Chromosome.java b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Chromosome.java
index bbada14..71e19ec 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Chromosome.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Chromosome.java
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 		// allocate memory for all elements of the chromosome
 		instantiateElements();
 		// set random connections so that the chromosome can be evaluated
-		initialiseConnections();
+		reinitialiseConnections();
 	}
 
 	/**
@@ -55,22 +55,22 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	 *
 	 */
 	private void instantiateElements() {
-		inputs = new Input[(resources.getInt("inputs"))];
-		for (int i = 0; i < (resources.getInt("inputs")); i++) {
+		inputs = new Input[(resources.inputs())];
+		for (int i = 0; i < inputs.length; i++) {
 			inputs[i] = new Input(i);
 		}
 
-		int arity = resources.getInt("arity");
+		int arity = resources.arity();
 		
 		// rows first
-		nodes = new Node[(resources.getInt("rows"))][(resources.getInt("columns"))];
-		for (int r = 0; r < (resources.getInt("rows")); r++) {
-			for (int c = 0; c < (resources.getInt("columns")); c++) {
+		nodes = new Node[(resources.rows())][(resources.columns())];
+		for (int r = 0; r < nodes.length; r++) {
+			for (int c = 0; c < nodes[r].length; c++) {
 				nodes[r][c] = new Node(this, r, c, arity);
 			}
 		}
-		outputs = new Output[(resources.getInt("outputs"))];
-		for (int o = 0; o < (resources.getInt("outputs")); o++) {
+		outputs = new Output[resources.outputs()];
+		for (int o = 0; o < outputs.length; o++) {
 			outputs[o] = new Output(this, o);
 		}
 	}
@@ -78,9 +78,9 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	/**
 	 * 
 	 */
-	private void initialiseConnections() {
+	public void reinitialiseConnections() {
 
-		int arity = resources.getInt("arity");
+		int arity = resources.arity();
 		
 		// initialise nodes - [rows][columns]
 		for (int r = 0; r < nodes.length; r++) {
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	 * @param clone
 	 */
 	public void copyGenes(Chromosome clone) {
-		int arity = resources.getInt("arity");
+		int arity = resources.arity();
 		
 		// copy nodes - [rows][columns]
 		for (int r = 0; r < nodes.length; r++) {
@@ -164,6 +164,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 
 	/**
 	 * 
+	 * 
 	 * @param values
 	 * @throws ParameterMismatchException
 	 */
@@ -186,7 +187,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	 */
 	public MutableElement getRandomMutableElement() {
 		// choose output or node
-		int index = resources.getRandomInt(outputs.length + (resources.getInt("rows")) * (resources.getInt("columns")));
+		int index = resources.getRandomInt(outputs.length + (resources.rows() * resources.columns()));
 
 		if (index < outputs.length) {
 			// outputs
@@ -194,7 +195,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 		} else {
 			// node	
 			index -= outputs.length;
-			return nodes[index / (resources.getInt("columns"))][index % (resources.getInt("columns"))];
+			return nodes[index / resources.columns()][index % resources.columns()];
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -208,7 +209,7 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	 */
 	public Connection getRandomConnection(int column) {
 		// work out the allowed range obeying levels back
-		int allowedColumns = ((column >= (resources.getInt("levelsBack"))) ? (resources.getInt("levelsBack")) : column);
+		int allowedColumns = column >= resources.levelsBack() ? resources.levelsBack() : column;
 		int offset = ((column - allowedColumns) * nodes.length) - inputs.length;
 
 		// choose input or allowed node
@@ -235,14 +236,14 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	 */
 	public Connection getRandomConnection() {
 		// choose output or node
-		int index = resources.getRandomInt(inputs.length + (resources.getInt("columns")) * (resources.getInt("rows")));
+		int index = resources.getRandomInt(inputs.length + (resources.columns() * resources.rows()));
 		if (index < inputs.length) {
 			// outputs
 			return inputs[index];
 		} else {
 			// node	
 			index -= inputs.length;
-			return nodes[index / (resources.getInt("columns"))][index % (resources.getInt("columns"))];
+			return nodes[index / resources.columns()][index % resources.columns()];
 		}
 	}
 
@@ -273,19 +274,18 @@ public class Chromosome {
 				output.getActiveNodes(activeNodes);
 			}
 		}
-
 	}
 
 	public boolean compareTo(Chromosome chromosome) {
-		for (int r = 0; r < (resources.getInt("rows")); r++) {
-			for (int c = 0; c < (resources.getInt("columns")); c++) {
+		for (int r = 0; r < resources.rows(); r++) {
+			for (int c = 0; c < resources.columns(); c++) {
 				if (!(nodes[r][c].copyOf(chromosome.getNode(r, c)))) {
 					return false;
 				}
 			}
 		}
 		
-		for (int o = 0; o < (resources.getInt("outputs")); o++) {
+		for (int o = 0; o < resources.outputs(); o++) {
 			if (!(outputs[o].copyOf(chromosome.getOutput(o)))) {
 				return false;
 			}
@@ -311,11 +311,11 @@ public class Chromosome {
 	
 	public void printNodes() {
 		// TODO make this proper
-		int arity = resources.getInt("arity");
+		int arity = resources.arity();
 		
-		for (int r = 0; r < (resources.getInt("rows")); r++) {
+		for (int r = 0; r < resources.rows(); r++) {
 			System.out.print("r: " + r + "\t");
-			for (int c = 0; c < (resources.getInt("columns")); c++) {
+			for (int c = 0; c < resources.columns(); c++) {
 				System.out.print("N: (" + r + ", " + c + ") ");
 				for (int i = 0; i < arity; i++) {
 					System.out.print("C" + i + ": (" + nodes[r][c].getConnection(i).toString() + ") ");
@@ -325,9 +325,11 @@ public class Chromosome {
 			System.out.print("\n");
 		}
 		
-		for (int o = 0; o < (resources.getInt("outputs")); o++) {
+		for (int o = 0; o < resources.outputs(); o++) {
 			System.out.print("o: " + o + " (" + outputs[o].getSource().toString() + ")\t");
 		}
+		
+		System.out.println();
 	}
 	
 	public Resources getResources() {
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Node.java b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Node.java
index 87a2f99..6a558a4 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Node.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Node.java
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ public class Node extends Gene implements MutableElement, Connection {
 
 	public void initialise(Function newFunction, Connection ... newConnections) throws InsufficientConnectionsException {
 		function = newFunction;
-		if (newConnections.length == chromosome.getResources().getInt("arity")) {
+		if (newConnections.length == chromosome.getResources().arity()) {
 			connections = newConnections;
 		} else {
 			throw new InsufficientConnectionsException();
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Population.java b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Population.java
index d2e6058..fdeec82 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/population/Population.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/population/Population.java
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ import jcgp.backend.resources.Resources;
 public class Population {
 	
 	private Chromosome[] chromosomes;
-	private Resources resources;
+	private final Resources resources;
 	
 	/**
 	 * Initialise a random population according to the parameters specified
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ public class Population {
 	public Population(Resources resources) {
 		this.resources = resources;
 		
-		chromosomes = new Chromosome[(resources.getInt("popSize"))];
+		chromosomes = new Chromosome[resources.populationSize()];
 		for (int c = 0; c < chromosomes.length; c++) {
 			chromosomes[c] = new Chromosome(resources);
 		}
@@ -31,8 +31,7 @@ public class Population {
 	public Population(Chromosome parent, Resources resources) {
 		this.resources = resources;
 		
-		chromosomes = new Chromosome[(resources.getInt("popSize"))];
-		// generate the rest of the individuals
+		chromosomes = new Chromosome[resources.populationSize()];
 		for (int c = 0; c < chromosomes.length; c++) {
 			chromosomes[c] = new Chromosome(parent);
 		}
@@ -72,7 +71,10 @@ public class Population {
 		}
 	}
 	
-	
-	
+	public void reinitialise() {
+		for (int c = 0; c < chromosomes.length; c++) {
+			chromosomes[c].reinitialiseConnections();
+		}
+	}
 	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/ModifiableResources.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/ModifiableResources.java
index a221f73..689f846 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/ModifiableResources.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/ModifiableResources.java
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 package jcgp.backend.resources;
 
 import jcgp.backend.function.FunctionSet;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.BooleanParameter;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.DoubleParameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.IntegerParameter;
 
 /**
@@ -21,19 +19,191 @@ public class ModifiableResources extends Resources {
 		super();
 	}
 	
-	public void set(String key, Object value) {
-		if (parameters.get(key) instanceof IntegerParameter) {
-			((IntegerParameter) parameters.get(key)).set(((Integer) value).intValue());
-		} else if (parameters.get(key) instanceof DoubleParameter) {
-			((DoubleParameter) parameters.get(key)).set(((Double) value).doubleValue());
-		} else if (parameters.get(key) instanceof BooleanParameter) {
-			((BooleanParameter) parameters.get(key)).set(((Boolean) value).booleanValue());
-		}
+	/**
+	 * @param rows the rows to set
+	 */
+	public void setRows(int rows) {
+		this.rows.set(rows);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param columns the columns to set
+	 */
+	public void setColumns(int columns) {
+		this.columns.set(columns);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param inputs the inputs to set
+	 */
+	public void setInputs(int inputs) {
+		this.inputs.set(inputs);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param outputs the outputs to set
+	 */
+	public void setOutputs(int outputs) {
+		this.outputs.set(outputs);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param populationSize the populationSize to set
+	 */
+	public void setPopulationSize(int populationSize) {
+		this.populationSize.set(populationSize);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param levelsBack the levelsBack to set
+	 */
+	public void setLevelsBack(int levelsBack) {
+		this.levelsBack.set(levelsBack);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param currentGeneration the currentGeneration to set
+	 */
+	public void setCurrentGeneration(int currentGeneration) {
+		this.currentGeneration.set(currentGeneration);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param generations the generations to set
+	 */
+	public void setGenerations(int generations) {
+		this.generations.set(generations);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param currentRun the currentRun to set
+	 */
+	public void setCurrentRun(int currentRun) {
+		this.currentRun.set(currentRun);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param runs the runs to set
+	 */
+	public void setRuns(int runs) {
+		this.runs.set(runs);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param arity the arity to set
+	 */
+	public void setArity(int arity) {
+		this.arity.set(arity);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param seed the seed to set
+	 */
+	public void setSeed(int seed) {
+		this.seed.set(seed);
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @param report the report to set
+	 */
+	public void setReport(int report) {
+		this.report.set(report);
+	}
+	
+	/**
+	 * @return the rows
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getRowsParameter() {
+		return rows;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the columns
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getColumnsParameter() {
+		return columns;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the inputs
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getInputsParameter() {
+		return inputs;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the outputs
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getOutputsParameter() {
+		return outputs;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the populationSize
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getPopulationSizeParameter() {
+		return populationSize;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the levelsBack
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getLevelsBackParameter() {
+		return levelsBack;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the currentGeneration
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getCurrentGenerationParameter() {
+		return currentGeneration;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the generations
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getGenerationsParameter() {
+		return generations;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the currentRun
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getCurrentRunParameter() {
+		return currentRun;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the runs
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getRunsParameter() {
+		return runs;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the arity
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getArityParameter() {
+		return arity;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the seed
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getSeedParameter() {
+		return seed;
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the report
+	 */
+	public IntegerParameter getReportParameter() {
+		return report;
 	}
 	
 	public void setFunctionSet(FunctionSet functionSet) {
 		this.functionSet = functionSet;
-		set("arity", functionSet.getMaxArity());
+		setArity(functionSet.getMaxArity());
 	}
 	
 	public void setConsole(Console console) {
@@ -56,5 +226,4 @@ public class ModifiableResources extends Resources {
 			console.print(s);
 		}
 	}
-	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/Resources.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/Resources.java
index 13e0c51..c83fa35 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/Resources.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/Resources.java
@@ -1,16 +1,12 @@
 package jcgp.backend.resources;
 
-import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.Random;
 
 import javafx.beans.value.ChangeListener;
 import javafx.beans.value.ObservableValue;
 import jcgp.backend.function.Function;
 import jcgp.backend.function.FunctionSet;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.BooleanParameter;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.DoubleParameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.IntegerParameter;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.Parameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
 
 /**
@@ -23,12 +19,12 @@ import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
  *
  */
 public class Resources {
-	protected HashMap<String, Parameter> parameters = new HashMap<String, Parameter>();
+	protected IntegerParameter rows, columns, inputs, outputs, populationSize,
+			levelsBack, currentGeneration, generations, currentRun, runs,
+			arity, seed, report;
 
 	protected Random numberGenerator = new Random();
-		
 	protected FunctionSet functionSet;
-	
 	// GUI console
 	protected Console console;
 	
@@ -36,175 +32,234 @@ public class Resources {
 		createBaseParameters();
 	}
 	
-	public int getInt(String key) {
-		if (parameters.get(key) instanceof IntegerParameter) {
-			return ((IntegerParameter) parameters.get(key)).get();
-		} else if (parameters.get(key) instanceof DoubleParameter) {
-			return (int) ((DoubleParameter) parameters.get(key)).get();
-		} else {
-			throw new ClassCastException("Could not cast " + parameters.get(key).getClass() + " to int.");
-		}
+	/**
+	 * @return the rows
+	 */
+	public int rows() {
+		return rows.get();
 	}
-	
-	public double getDouble(String key) {
-		if (parameters.get(key) instanceof IntegerParameter) {
-			return ((IntegerParameter) parameters.get(key)).get();
-		} else if (parameters.get(key) instanceof DoubleParameter) {
-			return ((DoubleParameter) parameters.get(key)).get();
-		} else {
-			throw new ClassCastException("Could not cast " + parameters.get(key).getClass() + " to double.");
-		}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the columns
+	 */
+	public int columns() {
+		return columns.get();
 	}
-	
-	public boolean getBoolean(String key) {
-		if (parameters.get(key) instanceof BooleanParameter) {
-			return ((BooleanParameter) parameters.get(key)).get();
-		} else {
-			throw new ClassCastException("Could not cast " + parameters.get(key).getClass() + " to int.");
-		}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the inputs
+	 */
+	public int inputs() {
+		return inputs.get();
 	}
-	
-	public Parameter getParameter(String key) {
-		return parameters.get(key);
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the outputs
+	 */
+	public int outputs() {
+		return outputs.get();
 	}
-	
-	public boolean contains(String key) {
-		return parameters.containsKey(key);
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the populationSize
+	 */
+	public int populationSize() {
+		return populationSize.get();
 	}
-	
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the levelsBack
+	 */
+	public int levelsBack() {
+		return levelsBack.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the nodes
+	 */
+	public int nodes() {
+		return columns.get() * rows.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the currentGeneration
+	 */
+	public int currentGeneration() {
+		return currentGeneration.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the generations
+	 */
+	public int generations() {
+		return generations.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the currentRun
+	 */
+	public int currentRun() {
+		return currentRun.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the runs
+	 */
+	public int runs() {
+		return runs.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the arity
+	 */
+	public int arity() {
+		return arity.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the seed
+	 */
+	public int seed() {
+		return seed.get();
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * @return the report
+	 */
+	public int report() {
+		return report.get();
+	}
+
 	private void createBaseParameters() {
-		parameters.put("rows", new IntegerParameter(8, "Rows", false, true) {
+		rows = new IntegerParameter(5, "Rows", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Chromosome must have at least 1 row.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("columns", new IntegerParameter(9, "Columns", false, true) {
+		};
+		
+		columns = new IntegerParameter(5, "Columns", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Chromosome must have at least 1 column.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("inputs", new IntegerParameter(3, "Inputs", false, true) {
+		};
+		
+		inputs = new IntegerParameter(3, "Inputs", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Chromosome must have at least 1 input.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("outputs", new IntegerParameter(3, "Outputs", false, true) {
+		};
+		
+		outputs = new IntegerParameter(3, "Outputs", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Chromosome must have at least 1 output.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("popSize", new IntegerParameter(5, "Population", false, true) {
+		};
+		
+		populationSize = new IntegerParameter(5, "Population", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Population size must be at least 1.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("levelsBack", new IntegerParameter(2, "Levels back", false, true) {
+		};
+		
+		levelsBack = new IntegerParameter(2, "Levels back", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Levels back must be at least 1.");
-				} else if (newValue > getInt("columns")) {
+				} else if (newValue.intValue() > columns.get()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Levels back must be less than or equal to the number of columns.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		
-		IntegerParameter nodes = new IntegerParameter(1, "Nodes", true, false) {
-			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				// blank
-			}
 		};
-		nodes.valueProperty().bind(((IntegerParameter) parameters.get("rows")).valueProperty().multiply(((IntegerParameter) parameters.get("columns")).valueProperty()));
-		parameters.put("nodes", nodes);
-					
-		parameters.put("generations", new IntegerParameter(1000000, "Generations") {
+		
+		generations = new IntegerParameter(1000000, "Generations") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Number of generations must be greater than 0.");
-				} else if (newValue < getInt("currentGen")) {
+				} else if (newValue.intValue() < currentGeneration.get()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
 					status.setDetails("Setting generations to less than the current generation will cause the experiment to restart.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("currentGen", new IntegerParameter(1, "Generation", true, false) {
+		};
+		
+		currentGeneration = new IntegerParameter(1, "Generation", true, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				// blank
 			}
-		});
+		};
 
-		parameters.put("runs", new IntegerParameter(5, "Runs") {
+		runs = new IntegerParameter(5, "Runs") {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue <= 0) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() <= 0) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.INVALID;
 					status.setDetails("Number of runs must be greater than 0.");
-				} else if (newValue < getInt("currentRun")) {
+				} else if (newValue.intValue() < currentRun.get()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
 					status.setDetails("Setting runs to less than the current run will cause the experiment to restart.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
-		parameters.put("currentRun", new IntegerParameter(1, "Run", true, false) {
+		};
+		
+		currentRun = new IntegerParameter(1, "Run", true, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				// blank
 			}
-		});
+		};
 
-		//parameters.put("arity", new IntegerParameter(functionSet.getMaxArity(), "Max arity", true, false) {
-		parameters.put("arity", new IntegerParameter(0, "Max arity", true, false) {
+		arity = new IntegerParameter(0, "Max arity", true, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				// blank
 			}
-		});
+		};
 		
-		IntegerParameter seed = new IntegerParameter(1234, "Seed", false, true) {
+		seed = new IntegerParameter(1234, "Seed", false, true) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
 				status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 			}
 		};
@@ -217,19 +272,18 @@ public class Resources {
 			}
 		});
 		numberGenerator.setSeed(seed.get());
-		parameters.put("seed", seed);
 		
-		parameters.put("report", new IntegerParameter(1, "Report", false, false) {
+		report = new IntegerParameter(1, "Report", false, false) {
 			@Override
-			public void validate(int newValue) {
-				if (newValue > getInt("generations")) {
+			public void validate(Number newValue) {
+				if (newValue.intValue() > generations.get()) {
 					status = ParameterStatus.WARNING;
 					status.setDetails("No reports will be printed.");
 				} else {
 					status = ParameterStatus.VALID;
 				}
 			}
-		});
+		};
 	}
 	
 	/*
@@ -271,8 +325,8 @@ public class Resources {
 	 * These are affected by parameter report
 	 */
 	public void reportln(String s) {
-		if (getInt("report") > 0) {
-			if (getInt("currentGen") % getInt("report") == 0) {
+		if (report.get() > 0) {
+			if (currentGeneration.get() % report.get() == 0) {
 				System.out.println(s);
 				if (console != null) {
 					console.println(s);
@@ -282,8 +336,8 @@ public class Resources {
 	}
 	
 	public void report(String s) {
-		if (getInt("report") > 0) {
-			if (getInt("currentGen") % getInt("report") == 0) {
+		if (report.get() > 0) {
+			if (currentGeneration.get() % report.get() == 0) {
 				System.out.print(s);
 				if (console != null) {
 					console.print(s);
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/BooleanParameter.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/BooleanParameter.java
index cd17649..cc74a64 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/BooleanParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/BooleanParameter.java
@@ -2,13 +2,11 @@ package jcgp.backend.resources.parameters;
 
 import javafx.beans.property.SimpleBooleanProperty;
 
-public abstract class BooleanParameter extends Parameter {
-	
-	private SimpleBooleanProperty value;
-	
+public abstract class BooleanParameter extends Parameter<Boolean> {
+		
 	public BooleanParameter(boolean value, String name, boolean monitor, boolean critical) {
 		super(name, monitor, critical);
-		this.value = new SimpleBooleanProperty(value);
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleBooleanProperty(value);
 	}
 	
 	/**
@@ -20,23 +18,6 @@ public abstract class BooleanParameter extends Parameter {
 	 */
 	public BooleanParameter(boolean value, String name) {
 		super(name, false, false);
-		this.value = new SimpleBooleanProperty(value);
-	}
-	
-	public boolean get() {
-		return value.get();
-	}
-	
-	public void set(boolean newValue) {
-		if (!value.isBound()) {
-			value.set(newValue);
-		}
-	}
-	
-	public abstract void validate(boolean newValue);
-	
-	@Override
-	public SimpleBooleanProperty valueProperty() {
-		return value;
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleBooleanProperty(value);
 	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/DoubleParameter.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/DoubleParameter.java
index 8464c83..b109446 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/DoubleParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/DoubleParameter.java
@@ -2,35 +2,20 @@ package jcgp.backend.resources.parameters;
 
 import javafx.beans.property.SimpleDoubleProperty;
 
-public abstract class DoubleParameter extends Parameter {
-	
-	protected SimpleDoubleProperty value;
+public abstract class DoubleParameter extends Parameter<Number> {
 		
 	public DoubleParameter(double value, String name, boolean monitor, boolean critical) {
 		super(name, monitor, critical);
-		this.value = new SimpleDoubleProperty(value);
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleDoubleProperty(value);
 	}
 	
 	public DoubleParameter(double value, String name) {
 		super(name, false, false);
-		this.value = new SimpleDoubleProperty(value);
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleDoubleProperty(value);
 	}
 
-	public double get() {
-		return value.get();
-	}
-	
-	public void set(double newValue) {
-		if (!value.isBound()) {
-			value.set(newValue);
-		}
-	}
-	
 	@Override
-	public SimpleDoubleProperty valueProperty() {
-		return value;
+	public Double get() {
+		return super.get().doubleValue();
 	}
-	
-	public abstract void validate(double newValue);
-	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/IntegerParameter.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/IntegerParameter.java
index 2a7b2a7..7cf68bd 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/IntegerParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/IntegerParameter.java
@@ -2,36 +2,20 @@ package jcgp.backend.resources.parameters;
 
 import javafx.beans.property.SimpleIntegerProperty;
 
-public abstract class IntegerParameter extends Parameter {
-	
-	private SimpleIntegerProperty value;
+public abstract class IntegerParameter extends Parameter<Number> {
 	
 	public IntegerParameter(int value, String name, boolean monitor, boolean critical) {
 		super(name, monitor, critical);
-		this.value = new SimpleIntegerProperty(value);
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleIntegerProperty(value);
 	}
 	
 	public IntegerParameter(int value, String name) {
 		super(name, false, false);
-		this.value = new SimpleIntegerProperty(value);
+		this.valueProperty = new SimpleIntegerProperty(value);
 	}
 
-	public int get() {
-		return value.get();
-	}
-	
-	public void set(int newValue) {
-		if (!value.isBound()) {
-			validate(newValue);
-			value.set(newValue);
-		}
-	}
-	
 	@Override
-	public SimpleIntegerProperty valueProperty() {
-		return value;
+	public Integer get() {
+		return super.get().intValue();
 	}
-	
-	public abstract void validate(int newValue);
-	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/Parameter.java b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/Parameter.java
index 7e12ff8..3990ae6 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/Parameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/resources/parameters/Parameter.java
@@ -1,8 +1,9 @@
 package jcgp.backend.resources.parameters;
 
 import javafx.beans.property.Property;
+import javafx.beans.property.ReadOnlyProperty;
 
-public abstract class Parameter {
+public abstract class Parameter<T> {
 	
 	protected boolean monitor, critical, reset = false;
 	
@@ -10,6 +11,8 @@ public abstract class Parameter {
 	
 	protected String name;
 	
+	protected Property<T> valueProperty;
+	
 	public Parameter(String name, boolean monitor, boolean critical) {
 		this.name = name;
 		this.monitor = monitor;
@@ -36,6 +39,19 @@ public abstract class Parameter {
 		return status;
 	}
 	
-	public abstract Property<?> valueProperty();
-		
+	public ReadOnlyProperty<T> valueProperty() {
+		return valueProperty;
+	}
+	
+	public T get() {
+		return valueProperty.getValue();
+	}
+	
+	public void set(T newValue) {
+		if (!valueProperty.isBound()) {
+			valueProperty.setValue(newValue);
+		}
+	}
+	
+	public abstract void validate(T newValue);
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/ChromosomeTests.java b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/ChromosomeTests.java
index a16ba75..07326a7 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/ChromosomeTests.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/ChromosomeTests.java
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ package jcgp.backend.tests;
 
 import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
 import static org.junit.Assert.fail;
+import jcgp.backend.function.IntegerArithmetic;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Chromosome;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Connection;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Input;
@@ -45,6 +46,7 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 	@BeforeClass
 	public static void setUpBeforeClass() {
 		resources = new ModifiableResources();
+		resources.setFunctionSet(new IntegerArithmetic());
 	}
 
 	@Before
@@ -62,7 +64,7 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 
 		// compare all elements, one by one
 		// check outputs
-		for (int o = 0; o < resources.getInt("outputs"); o++) {
+		for (int o = 0; o < resources.outputs(); o++) {
 			// check that no cross-references exist between chromosomes
 			assertTrue("Cloned chromosome contains a reference to a member of the original chromosome.",
 					clone.getOutput(o) != chromosome.getOutput(o) && 
@@ -80,8 +82,8 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 			}
 		}
 		// check nodes, rows first
-		for (int row = 0; row < resources.getInt("rows"); row++) {
-			for (int column = 0; column < resources.getInt("columns"); column++) {
+		for (int row = 0; row < resources.rows(); row++) {
+			for (int column = 0; column < resources.columns(); column++) {
 				// check that nodes are not pointers to the same instance
 				assertTrue("Both chromosomes contain a reference to the same node.", clone.getNode(row, column) != chromosome.getNode(row, column));
 				// check that both nodes reference their own position in the grid correctly
@@ -91,7 +93,7 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 				assertTrue("Equivalent nodes have different functions.", clone.getNode(row, column).getFunction() == chromosome.getNode(row, column).getFunction());
 
 				// compare each connection
-				for (int connection = 0; connection < resources.getInt("arity"); connection++) {
+				for (int connection = 0; connection < resources.arity(); connection++) {
 					// first look at whether they are actually the same instance
 					assertTrue("Nodes are connected to the same connection instance.", 
 							clone.getNode(row, column).getConnection(connection) !=	chromosome.getNode(row, column).getConnection(connection));
@@ -130,12 +132,12 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 		clone.setInputs((Object[]) testInputs);
 
 		// check that both chromosomes have the same outputs
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("outputs"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.outputs(); i++) {
 			assertTrue("Incorrect output returned", ((Integer) chromosome.getOutput(i).calculate()) == ((Integer) clone.getOutput(i).calculate()));
 		}
 
 		// mutate an output in clone, check that the same node in chromosome produces a different output
-		clone.getOutput(1).setConnection(resources.getRandomInt(resources.getInt("arity")), clone.getInput(2));
+		clone.getOutput(1).setConnection(resources.getRandomInt(resources.arity()), clone.getInput(2));
 
 		assertTrue("Mutation affected nodes in both chromosomes.",
 				clone.getOutput(1).calculate() != chromosome.getOutput(1).calculate());
@@ -164,7 +166,7 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 
 		// get random connections with the last column as reference, check that they're all within range
 		int connectionNodes = 0, connectionOutOfRange = 0, connectionInputs = 0, connectionPicks = 100000;
-		int chosenColumn = resources.getInt("columns") - 1;
+		int chosenColumn = resources.columns() - 1;
 		for (int i = 0; i < connectionPicks; i++) {
 			Connection c = chromosome.getRandomConnection(chosenColumn);
 			if (c instanceof Node) {
@@ -180,10 +182,10 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 
 			}	
 		}
-		System.out.println("Out of " + connectionPicks + " connections picked from " + ((chosenColumn >= resources.getInt("levelsBack")) ? resources.getInt("levelsBack") : chosenColumn) * resources.getInt("rows") +
-				" allowed nodes and " + resources.getInt("inputs") + " inputs, " + connectionNodes + " were nodes and " + connectionInputs + " were inputs.");
+		System.out.println("Out of " + connectionPicks + " connections picked from " + ((chosenColumn >= resources.levelsBack()) ? resources.levelsBack() : chosenColumn) * resources.rows() +
+				" allowed nodes and " + resources.inputs() + " inputs, " + connectionNodes + " were nodes and " + connectionInputs + " were inputs.");
 
-		System.out.println("Node/input ratio: " + (chosenColumn >= resources.getInt("levelsBack") ? resources.getInt("levelsBack") : chosenColumn) * resources.getDouble("rows") / resources.getDouble("inputs") +
+		System.out.println("Node/input ratio: " + (chosenColumn >= resources.levelsBack() ? resources.levelsBack() : chosenColumn) * (double) resources.rows() / (double) resources.inputs() +
 				", picked ratio: " + (double) connectionNodes / (double) connectionInputs);
 
 		System.out.println(connectionOutOfRange + " nodes that disrespected levels back were picked.");
@@ -207,10 +209,10 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 				fail("Return is neither Node nor Output.");
 			}
 		}
-		System.out.println("Out of " + mutablePicks + " mutable elements picked from " + resources.getInt("nodes") +
-				" nodes and " + resources.getInt("outputs") + " outputs, " + mutableNodes + " were nodes and " +
+		System.out.println("Out of " + mutablePicks + " mutable elements picked from " + resources.nodes() +
+				" nodes and " + resources.outputs() + " outputs, " + mutableNodes + " were nodes and " +
 				mutableOutputs + " were outputs.");
-		System.out.println("Node/output ratio: " + resources.getDouble("nodes") / resources.getDouble("outputs") +
+		System.out.println("Node/output ratio: " + (double) resources.nodes() / (double) resources.outputs() +
 				", picked ratio: " + (double) mutableNodes / (double) mutableOutputs + "\n");
 	}
 
@@ -234,12 +236,12 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 	@Test
 	public void setInputTest() {
 		// set input values, check that acquired values are correct
-		Integer[] testInputs = new Integer[resources.getInt("inputs")];
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("inputs"); i++) {
+		Integer[] testInputs = new Integer[resources.inputs()];
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.inputs(); i++) {
 			testInputs[i] = i * 2 - 3;
 		}
 		chromosome.setInputs((Object[]) testInputs);
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("inputs"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.inputs(); i++) {
 			assertTrue("Incorrect input returned.", ((Integer) chromosome.getInput(i).getValue()) == i * 2 - 3);
 		}
 	}
@@ -250,8 +252,8 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 	@Test
 	public void getNodeTest() {
 		// get all nodes one by one, check that they are all correct
-		for (int r = 0; r < resources.getInt("rows"); r++) {
-			for (int c = 0; c < resources.getInt("columns"); c++) {
+		for (int r = 0; r < resources.rows(); r++) {
+			for (int c = 0; c < resources.columns(); c++) {
 				assertTrue("Incorrect node returned.", chromosome.getNode(r, c).getColumn() == c &&
 						chromosome.getNode(r, c).getRow() == r);
 			}
@@ -271,7 +273,9 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 		assertTrue("Active node missing from list.", chromosome.getActiveNodes().contains(chromosome.getNode(1, 1)));
 		assertTrue("Active node missing from list.", chromosome.getActiveNodes().contains(chromosome.getNode(1, 2)));
 		
-		assertTrue("List has the wrong number of nodes.", chromosome.getActiveNodes().size() == 3);
+		chromosome.printNodes();
+		
+		assertTrue("List has the wrong number of nodes: " + chromosome.getActiveNodes(), chromosome.getActiveNodes().size() == 3);
 	}
 
 	/**
@@ -314,11 +318,11 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 	 */
 	private Chromosome createKnownConfiguration() {
 		// with a small topology, build a chromosome of known connections and check outputs
-		resources.set("columns", 3);
-		resources.set("rows", 3);
-		resources.set("inputs", 3);
-		resources.set("outputs", 2);
-		resources.set("levelsBack", 3);
+		resources.setColumns(3);
+		resources.setRows(3);
+		resources.setInputs(3);
+		resources.setOutputs(2);
+		resources.setLevelsBack(3);
 
 		Chromosome c = new Chromosome(resources);
 
@@ -328,7 +332,7 @@ public class ChromosomeTests {
 
 		c.getOutput(0).setConnection(0, c.getNode(0, 0));
 		c.getOutput(1).setConnection(0, c.getNode(1, 2));
-
+		
 		return c;
 	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/NodeTests.java b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/NodeTests.java
index e8fe02f..0e08d92 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/NodeTests.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/NodeTests.java
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ import jcgp.backend.function.IntegerArithmetic;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Chromosome;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Connection;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Node;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.Resources;
+import jcgp.backend.resources.ModifiableResources;
 
 import org.junit.Before;
 import org.junit.BeforeClass;
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ public class NodeTests {
 
 	private Node node;
 	private static Chromosome chromosome;
-	private static Resources resources;
+	private static ModifiableResources resources;
 	// these numbers will be used by the node under test
 	private final int arg1 = 2;
 	private final int arg2 = 5;
@@ -40,14 +40,14 @@ public class NodeTests {
 	@BeforeClass
 	public static void setUpBeforeClass() {
 		
-		resources = new Resources();
-
+		resources = new ModifiableResources();
+		resources.setFunctionSet(new IntegerArithmetic());
 		chromosome = new Chromosome(resources);
 	}
 
 	@Before
 	public void setUp() throws Exception {
-		node = new Node(chromosome, 0, 0, resources.getInt("arity"));
+		node = new Node(chromosome, 0, 0, resources.arity());
 		// make node with anonymous addition function and hard-coded value connections
 		node.initialise(new IntegerArithmetic.Addition(),
 				new Connection[]{new Connection() {
@@ -174,7 +174,7 @@ public class NodeTests {
 				return 0;
 			}
 		};
-		node.setConnection(resources.getRandomInt(resources.getInt("arity")), conn2);
+		node.setConnection(resources.getRandomInt(resources.arity()), conn2);
 
 		assertTrue("Connection was not found in node.", node.getConnection(0) == conn2 || node.getConnection(1) == conn2);
 
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/OutputTests.java b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/OutputTests.java
index afe44a7..a331f2d 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/OutputTests.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/OutputTests.java
@@ -1,10 +1,11 @@
 package jcgp.backend.tests;
 
 import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
+import jcgp.backend.function.IntegerArithmetic;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Chromosome;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Connection;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Output;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.Resources;
+import jcgp.backend.resources.ModifiableResources;
 
 import org.junit.Before;
 import org.junit.BeforeClass;
@@ -26,14 +27,15 @@ public class OutputTests {
 
 	private Output output;
 	private static Chromosome chromosome;
-	private static Resources resources;
+	private static ModifiableResources resources;
 	// these are the test values
 	private final int outputValue = 10;
 	private final int outputIndex = 2;
 
 	@BeforeClass
 	public static void setUpBeforeClass() {
-		resources = new Resources();
+		resources = new ModifiableResources();
+		resources.setFunctionSet(new IntegerArithmetic());
 		chromosome = new Chromosome(resources);
 	}
 
diff --git a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/PopulationTests.java b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/PopulationTests.java
index 31df8b9..fb8ced4 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/backend/tests/PopulationTests.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/backend/tests/PopulationTests.java
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 package jcgp.backend.tests;
 
 import static org.junit.Assert.assertTrue;
+import jcgp.backend.function.IntegerArithmetic;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Chromosome;
 import jcgp.backend.population.Population;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.Resources;
+import jcgp.backend.resources.ModifiableResources;
 
 import org.junit.Before;
 import org.junit.BeforeClass;
@@ -26,30 +27,12 @@ import org.junit.Test;
 public class PopulationTests {
 
 	private Population population;
-	private static Resources resources;
+	private static ModifiableResources resources;
 
 	@BeforeClass
 	public static void setUpBeforeClass() throws Exception {
-		resources = new Resources();
-		
-		
-//		// initialise function set
-//		FunctionSet functionSet = new FunctionSet(new Arithmetic.Addition(), new Arithmetic.Subtraction());
-//
-//		// initialise utilities
-//		Utilities.setResources(new Random(1234), functionSet);
-//
-//		// initialise parameters
-//		Resources.setColumns(20);
-//		Resources.setRows(20);
-//		Resources.setInputs(2);
-//		Resources.setOutputs(4);
-//		Resources.setLevelsBack(1);
-//		Resources.setMutationRate(10);
-//		Resources.setTotalGenerations(100);
-//		Resources.setTotalRuns(5);
-//		Resources.setPopulationSize(1, 4);
-//		Resources.setMaxArity(functionSet.getMaxArity());
+		resources = new ModifiableResources();
+		resources.setFunctionSet(new IntegerArithmetic());
 	}
 
 	@Before
@@ -70,7 +53,7 @@ public class PopulationTests {
 			chromosomes++;
 		}
 
-		assertTrue("Incorrect number of chromosomes generated.", chromosomes == resources.getInt("popSize"));
+		assertTrue("Incorrect number of chromosomes generated.", chromosomes == resources.populationSize());
 	}
 	
 	@Test
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/GUI.java b/src/jcgp/gui/GUI.java
index eaca077..5a7a16d 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/GUI.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/GUI.java
@@ -46,11 +46,11 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 	
 	private PopulationPane populationPane;
 	
-	private GUIConsole console = new GUIConsole();
+	private GUIConsole console;
 	
 	private SettingsPane settingsPane;
 	
-	private boolean evolving = false;
+	private static boolean working = false;
 	
 	private Object printLock = new Object();
 	
@@ -93,16 +93,13 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 	};
 	
 	public static void main(String[] args) {
-//		jcgp = new JCGP();
-//		resources = jcgp.getResources();
-//		
-//		functionSelector = 
 		
 		launch();
 	}
 	
 	@Override
 	public void start(Stage primaryStage) throws Exception {
+		console = new GUIConsole();
 		jcgp.setConsole(console);
 		
 		/*
@@ -142,7 +139,7 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 
 	public void runPause() {
 		if (!jcgp.isFinished() && settingsPane.areParametersValid()) {
-			if (!evolving) {
+			if (!working) {
 				runningMode(true);
 				cgpService.restart();
 			} else {
@@ -153,7 +150,7 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 	}
 	
 	public void step() {
-		if (!evolving && !jcgp.isFinished() && settingsPane.areParametersValid()) {
+		if (!working && !jcgp.isFinished() && settingsPane.areParametersValid()) {
 			if (settingsPane.isResetRequired()) {
 				reset();
 			}
@@ -164,12 +161,12 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 			
 			populationPane.updateGenes();
 			populationPane.relockOutputs();
-			
+			settingsPane.revalidateParameters();
 		}
 	}
 	
 	public void reset() {
-		if (!evolving && settingsPane.areParametersValid()) {
+		if (!working && settingsPane.areParametersValid()) {
 			settingsPane.applyParameters();
 			jcgp.reset();
 			populationPane.remakeTabs(jcgp.getPopulation(), jcgp.getResources());
@@ -182,7 +179,7 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 	private void runningMode(boolean value) {
 		populationPane.setDisable(value);
 		settingsPane.updateControls(value, jcgp.isFinished());
-				
+		
 		if (value) {
 			populationPane.unlockOutputs();
 			if (settingsPane.isResetRequired()) {
@@ -191,12 +188,16 @@ public class GUI extends Application {
 		} else {
 			populationPane.updateGenes();
 			populationPane.relockOutputs();
+			settingsPane.revalidateParameters();
 		}
-		evolving = value;
+		working = value;
 	}
 	
 	public static void updateFunctionSelector() {
 		functionSelector.remakeFunctions(resources.getFunctionSet());
 	}
 	
+	public static boolean isWorking() {
+		return working;
+	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/console/GUIConsole.java b/src/jcgp/gui/console/GUIConsole.java
index 55291aa..8148ec8 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/console/GUIConsole.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/console/GUIConsole.java
@@ -1,6 +1,16 @@
 package jcgp.gui.console;
 
+import javafx.event.ActionEvent;
+import javafx.event.Event;
+import javafx.event.EventDispatchChain;
+import javafx.event.EventDispatcher;
+import javafx.event.EventHandler;
+import javafx.scene.control.ContextMenu;
+import javafx.scene.control.MenuItem;
+import javafx.scene.control.SeparatorMenuItem;
 import javafx.scene.control.TextArea;
+import javafx.scene.input.MouseButton;
+import javafx.scene.input.MouseEvent;
 import javafx.scene.layout.AnchorPane;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.Console;
 import jcgp.gui.GUI;
@@ -15,6 +25,58 @@ public class GUIConsole extends AnchorPane implements Console {
 		super();
 		textArea.setEditable(false);
 		
+		/*
+		 * This nasty hack is needed because the default TextArea ContextMenu is not
+		 * in the public API, making it impossible to override it with a custom one.
+		 * This has not been fixed as of 8/4/2014.
+		 * 
+		 * The following code modifies the EventDispatcher to consume the right mouse
+		 * button click, preventing the default menu from appearing.
+		 */
+		final EventDispatcher initial = textArea.getEventDispatcher();
+		textArea.setEventDispatcher(new EventDispatcher() {
+			@Override
+			public Event dispatchEvent(Event event, EventDispatchChain tail) {
+				if (event instanceof MouseEvent) {
+					//shot in the dark guess for OSX, might not work
+					MouseEvent mouseEvent = (MouseEvent)event;
+					if (mouseEvent.getButton() == MouseButton.SECONDARY || 
+							(mouseEvent.getButton() == MouseButton.PRIMARY && mouseEvent.isControlDown())) {
+						event.consume();
+					}
+				}
+				return initial.dispatchEvent(event, tail);
+			}
+		});
+		
+		// make the new context menu including the clear option		
+		MenuItem copySelected = new MenuItem("Copy");
+		copySelected.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {	
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
+				textArea.copy();
+			}
+		});
+		MenuItem selectAll = new MenuItem("Select all");
+		selectAll.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {	
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
+				textArea.selectAll();
+			}
+		});
+		MenuItem clearConsole = new MenuItem("Clear");
+		clearConsole.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {	
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
+				textArea.setText("");
+			}
+		});
+				
+		textArea.setContextMenu(new ContextMenu(copySelected,
+												selectAll, 
+												new SeparatorMenuItem(),
+												clearConsole));
+		
 		AnchorPane.setTopAnchor(textArea, GUI.RESIZE_MARGIN);
 		AnchorPane.setBottomAnchor(textArea, 0.0);
 		AnchorPane.setRightAnchor(textArea, 0.0);
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/population/ChromosomePane.java b/src/jcgp/gui/population/ChromosomePane.java
index 841c18a..1f67255 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/population/ChromosomePane.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/population/ChromosomePane.java
@@ -35,19 +35,19 @@ public class ChromosomePane extends ScrollPane {
 		
 		// generate the GUIGenes
 		// inputs
-		guiInputs = new GUIInput[resources.getInt("inputs")];
+		guiInputs = new GUIInput[resources.inputs()];
 		for (int i = 0; i < guiInputs.length; i++) {
 			// make the GUI elements
 			guiInputs[i] = new GUIInput(this, chromosome.getInput(i));
 			content.getChildren().addAll(guiInputs[i]);
 		}
 		// nodes
-		guiNodes = new GUINode[resources.getInt("rows")][resources.getInt("columns")];
+		guiNodes = new GUINode[resources.rows()][resources.columns()];
 		double angle, xPos, yPos;
 		for (int r = 0; r < guiNodes.length; r++) {
 			for (int c = 0; c < guiNodes[r].length; c++) {
 				// make the connection lines
-				Line lines[] = new Line[resources.getInt("arity")];
+				Line lines[] = new Line[resources.arity()];
 				for (int l = 0; l < lines.length; l++) {
 					angle = ((((double) (l + 1)) / ((double) (lines.length + 1))) * GUIGene.THETA) - (GUIGene.THETA / 2);
 					xPos = (-Math.cos(angle) * GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS) + (((c + 1) * (2 * GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS + GUIGene.SPACING)) + GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS);
@@ -64,9 +64,9 @@ public class ChromosomePane extends ScrollPane {
 			content.getChildren().addAll(guiNodes[r]);
 		}
 		// outputs
-		guiOutputs = new GUIOutput[resources.getInt("outputs")];
+		guiOutputs = new GUIOutput[resources.outputs()];
 		for (int i = 0; i < guiOutputs.length; i++) {
-			xPos = ((resources.getInt("columns") + 1) * (2 * GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS + GUIGene.SPACING));
+			xPos = ((resources.columns() + 1) * (2 * GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS + GUIGene.SPACING));
 			yPos = (chromosome.getOutput(i).getIndex() * (2 * GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS + GUIGene.SPACING)) + GUIGene.NODE_RADIUS;
 			// make the line
 			Line line = new Line(xPos, yPos, xPos, yPos);
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUINode.java b/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUINode.java
index 98ba738..8e2d8a0 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUINode.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUINode.java
@@ -42,10 +42,10 @@ public class GUINode extends GUIGene {
 
 		text.setText(node.getFunction().getName());
 
-		Circle[] sockets = new Circle[GUI.resources.getInt("arity")];
+		Circle[] sockets = new Circle[GUI.resources.arity()];
 		double angle, xPos, yPos;
 		for (int l = 0; l < sockets.length; l++) {
-			angle = (((l + 1) / ((GUI.resources.getDouble("arity") + 1))) * THETA) - (THETA / 2);
+			angle = (((l + 1) / ((double) (GUI.resources.arity() + 1))) * THETA) - (THETA / 2);
 			xPos = -Math.cos(angle) * NODE_RADIUS;
 			yPos = Math.sin(angle) * NODE_RADIUS;
 
@@ -316,7 +316,7 @@ public class GUINode extends GUIGene {
 			} else if (target instanceof GUINode) {
 				// target and source are nodes, let's look at levels back
 				Node t = ((GUINode) target).getGene(), s = ((GUINode) source).getGene();
-				if (s.getColumn() - t.getColumn() > 0 && s.getColumn() - t.getColumn() <= GUI.resources.getInt("levelsBack")) {
+				if (s.getColumn() - t.getColumn() > 0 && s.getColumn() - t.getColumn() <= GUI.resources.levelsBack()) {
 					return true;
 				}
 				return false;
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUIOutput.java b/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUIOutput.java
index 4a12385..c5b889e 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUIOutput.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/population/GUIOutput.java
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ public class GUIOutput extends GUIGene {
 		this.output = output;
 		this.sourceLine = line;
 
-		relocate(((GUI.resources.getInt("columns") + 1) * (2 * NODE_RADIUS + SPACING)) + NODE_RADIUS,
+		relocate(((GUI.resources.columns() + 1) * (2 * NODE_RADIUS + SPACING)) + NODE_RADIUS,
 				(output.getIndex() * (2 * NODE_RADIUS + SPACING)) + NODE_RADIUS);
 
 		// set the line ends correctly
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/population/PopulationPane.java b/src/jcgp/gui/population/PopulationPane.java
index 3a83a86..5232eb5 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/population/PopulationPane.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/population/PopulationPane.java
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ public class PopulationPane extends TabPane {
 		
 		Tab tab;
 		ChromosomePane cp;
-		for (int i = 0; i < resources.getInt("popSize"); i++) {
+		for (int i = 0; i < resources.populationSize(); i++) {
 			cp = new ChromosomePane(population.getChromosome(i), resources);
 			tab = new Tab("Chr " + i);
 			tab.setContent(cp);
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/SettingsPane.java b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/SettingsPane.java
index d7ffd79..e455846 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/SettingsPane.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/SettingsPane.java
@@ -30,8 +30,9 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 	private VBox baseParameterPane, eaPane, mutatorPane, problemPane;
 	
 	private Button runPause = new Button("Run"), step = new Button("Step"), reset = new Button("Reset");
+	private Button loadParameters = new Button("Load parameters"), loadChromosome = new Button("Load chromosome"), saveChromosome = new Button("Save chromosome");
 	
-	private ArrayList<GUIParameter> parameters = new ArrayList<GUIParameter>();
+	private ArrayList<GUIParameter<?>> parameters = new ArrayList<GUIParameter<?>>();
 		
 	public SettingsPane(JCGP cgp, GUI gui) {
 		super();
@@ -50,7 +51,7 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		
 		initialiseProblemTypeParameters(cgp, gui);
 		
-		createControls(cgp, gui);
+		createControls(gui);
 		
 		ScrollPane scroll = new ScrollPane();
 		scroll.setFitToWidth(true);
@@ -74,27 +75,26 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		
 		baseParameterPane.getChildren().add(header);
 
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("rows"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("columns"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("inputs"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("outputs"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("levelsBack"), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getRowsParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getColumnsParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getInputsParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getOutputsParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getLevelsBackParameter(), this));
 		
-		GUIParameter gp = GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("popSize"), this);
+		GUIParameter<?> gp = GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getPopulationSizeParameter(), this);
 		gp.setPadding(new Insets(0, 0, 10, 0));
 		parameters.add(gp);
 		
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("currentGen"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("generations"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("currentRun"), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getCurrentGenerationParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getGenerationsParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getCurrentRunParameter(), this));
 		
-		gp = GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("runs"), this);
+		gp = GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getRunsParameter(), this);
 		gp.setPadding(new Insets(0, 0, 10, 0));
 		parameters.add(gp);
 		
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("seed"), this));
-		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("report"), this));
-		//parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getParameter("maxFitness"), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getSeedParameter(), this));
+		parameters.add(GUIParameter.create(cgp.getResources().getReportParameter(), this));
 		
 		baseParameterPane.getChildren().addAll(parameters);
 		mainContainer.getChildren().add(baseParameterPane);
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		
 	}
 	
-	private void createControls(final JCGP cgp, final GUI gui) {
+	private void createControls(final GUI gui) {
 		Text header = new Text("Experiment controls");
 		header.setFont(Font.font("Arial", 14));
 		header.setUnderline(true);
@@ -220,7 +220,6 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 			}
 		});
 		
-		step = new Button("Step");
 		step.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {
 			@Override
 			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
@@ -228,7 +227,6 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 			}
 		});
 		
-		reset = new Button("Reset");
 		reset.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {
 			@Override
 			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
@@ -236,8 +234,6 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 			}
 		});
 		
-		flowButtons.getChildren().addAll(runPause, step, reset);
-		
 		HBox.setHgrow(runPause, Priority.ALWAYS);
 		runPause.setMaxWidth(Double.MAX_VALUE);
 		HBox.setHgrow(step, Priority.ALWAYS);
@@ -245,7 +241,37 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		HBox.setHgrow(reset, Priority.ALWAYS);
 		reset.setMaxWidth(Double.MAX_VALUE);
 		
-		controls.getChildren().addAll(header, flowButtons);
+		flowButtons.getChildren().addAll(runPause, step, reset);
+		flowButtons.setPadding(new Insets(0, 0, 10, 0));
+		
+		loadParameters.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {				
+				//gui.runPause();
+			}
+		});
+		
+		loadChromosome.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
+				//gui.step();
+			}
+		});
+		saveChromosome.setOnAction(new EventHandler<ActionEvent>() {
+			@Override
+			public void handle(ActionEvent event) {
+				//gui.step();
+			}
+		});
+		
+		HBox.setHgrow(loadParameters, Priority.ALWAYS);
+		loadParameters.setMaxWidth(Double.MAX_VALUE);
+		HBox.setHgrow(loadChromosome, Priority.ALWAYS);
+		loadChromosome.setMaxWidth(Double.MAX_VALUE);
+		HBox.setHgrow(saveChromosome, Priority.ALWAYS);
+		saveChromosome.setMaxWidth(Double.MAX_VALUE);
+		
+		controls.getChildren().addAll(header, flowButtons, loadParameters, loadChromosome, saveChromosome);
 		
 		mainContainer.getChildren().add(controls);	
 	}
@@ -254,11 +280,11 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 	 * @param cgp
 	 * @param vb
 	 */
-	private void refreshParameters(Parameter[] newParameters, VBox vb) {
+	private void refreshParameters(Parameter<?>[] newParameters, VBox vb) {
 		parameters.removeAll(vb.getChildren());
 		vb.getChildren().clear();
 		for (int i = 0; i < newParameters.length; i++) {
-	        GUIParameter gp = GUIParameter.create(newParameters[i], this);
+	        GUIParameter<?> gp = GUIParameter.create(newParameters[i], this);
 	        parameters.add(gp);
         	vb.getChildren().add(gp);
 		}
@@ -290,25 +316,12 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		}
 	}
 	
-
-	
-//	public void runningMode(boolean value) {
-//		baseParameterPane.setDisable(value);
-//		eaPane.setDisable(value);
-//		mutatorPane.setDisable(value);
-//		problemPane.setDisable(value);
-//		step.setDisable(value);
-//		reset.setDisable(value);
-//		
-//		runPause.setText(value ? "Pause" : "Run");
-//	}
-//	
 	/**
 	 * 
 	 * @return true if the experiment needs to be reset, false otherwise.
 	 */
 	public boolean isResetRequired() {
-		for (GUIParameter parameter : parameters) {
+		for (GUIParameter<?> parameter : parameters) {
 			if (parameter.requiresReset()) {
 				return true;
 			}
@@ -317,7 +330,7 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 	}
 	
 	public boolean areParametersValid() {
-		for (GUIParameter parameter : parameters) {
+		for (GUIParameter<?> parameter : parameters) {
 			if (!parameter.isValid()) {
 				return false;
 			}
@@ -327,7 +340,7 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 	
 	public void revalidateParameters() {
 		runPause.setDisable(false);
-		for (GUIParameter parameter : parameters) {
+		for (GUIParameter<?> parameter : parameters) {
 			parameter.validate();
 			if (parameter.requiresReset()) {
 				runPause.setDisable(true);
@@ -336,7 +349,7 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 	}
 	
 	public void applyParameters() {
-		for (GUIParameter parameter : parameters) {
+		for (GUIParameter<?> parameter : parameters) {
 			parameter.applyValue();
 		}
 	}
@@ -351,6 +364,5 @@ public class SettingsPane extends AnchorPane {
 		runPause.setDisable(finished);
 		step.setDisable(running || finished);
 		reset.setDisable(running);
-		
 	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIBooleanParameter.java b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIBooleanParameter.java
index 4339562..bada5d4 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIBooleanParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIBooleanParameter.java
@@ -3,83 +3,79 @@ package jcgp.gui.settings.parameters;
 import javafx.beans.value.ChangeListener;
 import javafx.beans.value.ObservableValue;
 import javafx.scene.control.CheckBox;
+import javafx.scene.control.Control;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.BooleanParameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
+import jcgp.gui.GUI;
 import jcgp.gui.settings.SettingsPane;
 
-public class GUIBooleanParameter extends GUIParameter {
-	
-	private boolean originalValue;
+/**
+ * This extension of GUIParameter uses a CheckBox to display
+ * the value of a BooleanParameter. It cannot be constructed
+ * directly - instead, use GUIParameter.create().
+ * <br><br>
+ * See {@link GUIParameter} for more information.
+ * 
+ * @author Eduardo Pedroni
+ */
+public class GUIBooleanParameter extends GUIParameter<Boolean> {
+
+	private CheckBox checkBox;
 	
+	/**
+	 * This default-visibility constructor is intended for use
+	 * by the factory method only.
+	 * 
+	 */
 	GUIBooleanParameter(final BooleanParameter parameter, final SettingsPane sp) {
-		super();
-		
-		this.parameter = parameter;
-		
-		originalValue = parameter.get();
-		
-		valueControl = new CheckBox(parameter.getName());
-		((CheckBox) valueControl).setSelected(parameter.get());
-		
-		valueControl.setDisable(parameter.isMonitor());
-		
-		if (parameter.isMonitor()) {
-			makeLightBinding();
-		} else {
-			((CheckBox) valueControl).selectedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
-				@Override
-				public void changed(
-						ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
-						Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
-					parameter.set(newValue);
-					setValidityStyle();
-					sp.revalidateParameters();
-				}
-			});
-		}
-		
-		getChildren().add(valueControl);
-	}
-
-	@Override
-	public void refreshValue() {
-		if (!((CheckBox) valueControl).selectedProperty().isBound()) {
-			((CheckBox) valueControl).setSelected(((BooleanParameter) parameter).get());
-		}
+		super(parameter, sp);
 	}
 	
 	@Override
-	public boolean requiresReset() {
-		return (parameter.isCritical() && ((BooleanParameter) parameter).get() != originalValue)
-				|| parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
+	protected Control makeControl() {
+		checkBox = new CheckBox();
+		checkBox.setSelected(parameter.get());
+		
+		return checkBox;
 	}
 	
 	@Override
-	public void applyValue() {
-		originalValue = ((BooleanParameter) parameter).get();
+	protected void setControlListeners(final SettingsPane sp) {
+		/* pass the CheckBox value back to the parameter whenever it gets
+		 * modified, provided the experiment isn't running */
+		checkBox.selectedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
+			@Override
+			public void changed(
+					ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
+					Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
+				if (!GUI.isWorking()) {
+					parameter.set(newValue);
+					sp.revalidateParameters();
+				}
+			}
+		});
 	}
 	
-	/**
-	 * @param parameter
-	 */
-	private void setValidityStyle() {
+	@Override
+	protected void setValidityStyle() {
+		// update the Control's style and tooltip based on the status of the parameter
 		if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.INVALID) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+			checkBox.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			checkBox.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
 		} else if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING || parameter.getStatus() ==  ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+			checkBox.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			checkBox.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
 		} else {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(null);
+			checkBox.setStyle(BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			checkBox.setTooltip(null);
 		}
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public void validate() {
-		((BooleanParameter) parameter).validate(((BooleanParameter) parameter).get());
-		setValidityStyle();
+	public void refreshValue() {
+		checkBox.setSelected(parameter.get());
 	}
+	
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIDoubleParameter.java b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIDoubleParameter.java
index 4a8e0e1..87e7b69 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIDoubleParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIDoubleParameter.java
@@ -4,115 +4,105 @@ import javafx.beans.value.ChangeListener;
 import javafx.beans.value.ObservableValue;
 import javafx.event.EventHandler;
 import javafx.geometry.Pos;
+import javafx.scene.control.Control;
 import javafx.scene.control.TextField;
 import javafx.scene.input.KeyEvent;
-import javafx.scene.layout.Priority;
-import javafx.scene.text.Text;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.DoubleParameter;
+import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.Parameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
+import jcgp.gui.GUI;
 import jcgp.gui.settings.SettingsPane;
 
-public class GUIDoubleParameter extends GUIParameter {
+/**
+ * This extension of GUIParameter uses a TextField to display
+ * the value of a DoubleParameter. It cannot be constructed
+ * directly - instead, use GUIParameter.create().
+ * <br><br>
+ * See {@link GUIParameter} for more information.
+ * 
+ * @author Eduardo Pedroni
+ */
+public class GUIDoubleParameter extends GUIParameter<Number> {
+
+	private TextField textField;
 	
-	private double originalValue;
+	/**
+	 * This default-visibility constructor is intended for use
+	 * by the factory method only.
+	 * 
+	 */
+	GUIDoubleParameter(Parameter<Number> parameter, SettingsPane sp) {
+		super(parameter, sp);
+	}
 	
-	GUIDoubleParameter(final DoubleParameter parameter, final SettingsPane sp) {
-		super();
-		
-		this.parameter = parameter;
-		
-		originalValue = parameter.get();
-		
-		name = new Text(parameter.getName());
-		valueControl = new TextField(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
-		valueControl.setStyle(VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-		
-		((TextField) valueControl).setAlignment(Pos.CENTER_RIGHT);
-		
-		setHgrow(valueControl, Priority.ALWAYS);
-		setHgrow(name, Priority.ALWAYS);
-		
-		name.wrappingWidthProperty().bind(widthProperty().divide(2));
-		
-		((TextField) valueControl).setDisable(parameter.isMonitor());
+	@Override
+	protected Control makeControl() {
+		textField = new TextField(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
+		textField.setStyle(VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+		textField.setAlignment(Pos.CENTER_RIGHT);
 		
-		// bind if monitor, else set changelistener
-		if (parameter.isMonitor()) {
-			makeLightBinding();
-		} else {
-			valueControl.addEventFilter(KeyEvent.KEY_TYPED, new EventHandler<KeyEvent>() {
-				@Override
-				public void handle( KeyEvent t ) {
-					char ch = t.getCharacter().toCharArray()[t.getCharacter().toCharArray().length - 1];
-					if (!((ch >= '0' && ch <= '9') || (ch == '.' && !((TextField) valueControl).getText().contains(".")))) {
-						t.consume();
-					}
-				}
-			});
-			((TextField) valueControl).textProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<String>() {
-				@Override
-				public void changed(
-						ObservableValue<? extends String> observable,
-						String oldValue, String newValue) {
-					if (!newValue.isEmpty()) {
-						parameter.set(Double.parseDouble(newValue));
-						setValidityStyle();
-						sp.revalidateParameters();
-					}
+		return textField;
+	}
 
+	@Override
+	protected void setControlListeners(final SettingsPane sp) {
+		/* filter keypresses and ignore anything that is not a number
+		 * and any decimal point beyond the first ones */
+		textField.addEventFilter(KeyEvent.KEY_TYPED, new EventHandler<KeyEvent>() {
+			@Override
+			public void handle( KeyEvent t ) {
+				char ch = t.getCharacter().toCharArray()[t.getCharacter().toCharArray().length - 1];
+				if (!((ch >= '0' && ch <= '9') || (ch == '.' && !textField.getText().contains(".")))) {
+					t.consume();
 				}
-			});
-			valueControl.focusedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
-				@Override
-				public void changed(
-						ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
-						Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
-					if (!newValue && ((TextField) valueControl).getText().isEmpty()) {
-						((TextField) valueControl).setText(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
-					}
+			}
+		});
+		/* pass the TextField value back to the parameter whenever it gets
+		 * modified, provided it is not empty and the experiment isn't running */
+		textField.textProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<String>() {
+			@Override
+			public void changed(
+					ObservableValue<? extends String> observable,
+					String oldValue, String newValue) {
+				if (!newValue.isEmpty() && !GUI.isWorking()) {
+					parameter.set(Double.parseDouble(newValue));
+					sp.revalidateParameters();
 				}
-			});
-		}
-		
-		
-		getChildren().addAll(name, valueControl);
-	}
 
-	@Override
-	public void refreshValue() {
-		((TextField) valueControl).setText(String.valueOf(((DoubleParameter) parameter).get()));
-	}
-	
-	@Override
-	public boolean requiresReset() {
-		return (parameter.isCritical() && ((DoubleParameter) parameter).get() != originalValue)
-				|| parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
-	}
-	
-	@Override
-	public void applyValue() {
-		originalValue = ((DoubleParameter) parameter).get();
+			}
+		});
+		/* if the TextField loses focus and is empty, set it to the current
+		 * value of the parameter */
+		textField.focusedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
+			@Override
+			public void changed(
+					ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
+					Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
+				if (!newValue && textField.getText().isEmpty()) {
+					textField.setText(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
+				}
+			}
+		});
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public void validate() {
-		((DoubleParameter) parameter).validate(((DoubleParameter) parameter).get());
-		setValidityStyle();
-	}
-	
-	private void setValidityStyle() {
+	protected void setValidityStyle() {
+		// update the Control's style and tooltip based on the status of the parameter
 		if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.INVALID) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
 		} else if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING || parameter.getStatus() ==  ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
 		} else {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(null);
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(null);
 		}
 	}
-
+	
+	@Override
+	public void refreshValue() {
+		textField.setText(String.valueOf((parameter).get()));
+	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIIntegerParameter.java b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIIntegerParameter.java
index 204e7a2..6927f26 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIIntegerParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIIntegerParameter.java
@@ -4,115 +4,104 @@ import javafx.beans.value.ChangeListener;
 import javafx.beans.value.ObservableValue;
 import javafx.event.EventHandler;
 import javafx.geometry.Pos;
+import javafx.scene.control.Control;
 import javafx.scene.control.TextField;
 import javafx.scene.input.KeyEvent;
-import javafx.scene.layout.Priority;
-import javafx.scene.text.Text;
-import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.IntegerParameter;
+import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.Parameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
+import jcgp.gui.GUI;
 import jcgp.gui.settings.SettingsPane;
 
-public class GUIIntegerParameter extends GUIParameter {
-
-	private int originalValue;
+/**
+ * This extension of GUIParameter uses a TextField to display
+ * the value of a IntegerParameter. It cannot be constructed
+ * directly - instead, use GUIParameter.create().
+ * <br><br>
+ * See {@link GUIParameter} for more information.
+ * 
+ * @author Eduardo Pedroni
+ */
+public class GUIIntegerParameter extends GUIParameter<Number> {
 	
-	GUIIntegerParameter(final IntegerParameter parameter, final SettingsPane sp) {	
-		super();
-		
-		this.parameter = parameter;
-		
-		originalValue = parameter.get();
-		
-		name = new Text(parameter.getName());
-		valueControl = new TextField(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
-		valueControl.setStyle(VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-		
-		((TextField) valueControl).setAlignment(Pos.CENTER_RIGHT);
-		
-		setHgrow(valueControl, Priority.ALWAYS);
-		setHgrow(name, Priority.ALWAYS);
-		
-		name.wrappingWidthProperty().bind(widthProperty().divide(2));
-		
-		((TextField) valueControl).setDisable(parameter.isMonitor());
-		
-		// bind if monitor, else set listeners
-		if (parameter.isMonitor()) {
-			makeLightBinding();
-		} else {
-			valueControl.addEventFilter(KeyEvent.KEY_TYPED, new EventHandler<KeyEvent>() {
-				@Override
-				public void handle( KeyEvent t ) {
-					char ch = t.getCharacter().toCharArray()[t.getCharacter().toCharArray().length - 1];
-					if (!(ch >= '0' && ch <= '9')) {
-						t.consume();
-					}
-				}
-			});
-			((TextField) valueControl).textProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<String>() {
-				@Override
-				public void changed(
-						ObservableValue<? extends String> observable,
-						String oldValue, String newValue) {
-					if (!newValue.isEmpty()) {
-						parameter.set(Integer.parseInt(newValue));
-						setValidityStyle();
-						sp.revalidateParameters();
-					}
-
-				}
-			});
-			valueControl.focusedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
-				@Override
-				public void changed(
-						ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
-						Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
-					if (!newValue && ((TextField) valueControl).getText().isEmpty()) {
-						((TextField) valueControl).setText(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
-					}
-				}
-			});
-		}
-				
-		getChildren().addAll(name, valueControl);
+	private TextField textField;
+	
+	/**
+	 * This default-visibility constructor is intended for use
+	 * by the factory method only.
+	 * 
+	 */
+	GUIIntegerParameter(Parameter<Number> parameter, SettingsPane sp) {
+		super(parameter, sp);
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public void refreshValue() {
-		((TextField) valueControl).setText(String.valueOf(((IntegerParameter) parameter).get()));
+	protected Control makeControl() {
+		textField = new TextField(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
+		textField.setStyle(VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+		textField.setAlignment(Pos.CENTER_RIGHT);
+		
+		return textField;
 	}
 
 	@Override
-	public boolean requiresReset() {
-		// true if critical and the value has changed, or it requires a reset anyway
-		return (parameter.isCritical() && ((IntegerParameter) parameter).get() != originalValue)
-				|| parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
+	protected void setControlListeners(final SettingsPane settingsPane) {
+		/* filter keypresses and ignore anything that is not a number */
+		textField.addEventFilter(KeyEvent.KEY_TYPED, new EventHandler<KeyEvent>() {
+			@Override
+			public void handle( KeyEvent t ) {
+				char ch = t.getCharacter().toCharArray()[t.getCharacter().toCharArray().length - 1];
+				if (!(ch >= '0' && ch <= '9')) {
+					t.consume();
+				}
+			}
+		});
+		/* pass the TextField value back to the parameter whenever it gets
+		 * modified, provided it is not empty and the experiment isn't running */
+		textField.textProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<String>() {
+			@Override
+			public void changed(
+					ObservableValue<? extends String> observable,
+					String oldValue, String newValue) {
+				if (!newValue.isEmpty() && !GUI.isWorking()) {
+					parameter.set(Double.parseDouble(newValue));
+					settingsPane.revalidateParameters();
+				}
+			}
+		});
+		/* if the TextField loses focus and is empty, set it to the current
+		 * value of the parameter */
+		textField.focusedProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Boolean>() {
+			@Override
+			public void changed(
+					ObservableValue<? extends Boolean> observable,
+					Boolean oldValue, Boolean newValue) {
+				if (!newValue && textField.getText().isEmpty()) {
+					textField.setText(String.valueOf(parameter.get()));
+				}
+			}
+		});
 	}
 	
 	@Override
-	public void applyValue() {
-		originalValue = ((IntegerParameter) parameter).get();
-	}
-
-	@Override
-	public void validate() {
-		((IntegerParameter) parameter).validate(((IntegerParameter) parameter).get());
-		setValidityStyle();
-	}
-	
-	private void setValidityStyle() {
+	protected void setValidityStyle() {
+		// update the Control's style and tooltip based on the status of the parameter
 		if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.INVALID) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
-		} else if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING || parameter.getStatus() ==  ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET) {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(tooltip);
+		} else if (parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING 
+				|| parameter.getStatus() ==  ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET) {
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(tooltip);
 			tooltip.setText(parameter.getStatus().getDetails());
 		} else {
-			valueControl.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
-			valueControl.setTooltip(null);
+			textField.setStyle(BASE_TEXT_STYLE + VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE);
+			textField.setTooltip(null);
 		}
 	}
 
+	@Override
+	public void refreshValue() {
+		textField.setText(String.valueOf((parameter).get()));
+	}
 }
diff --git a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIParameter.java b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIParameter.java
index 6bfdf30..b7afb74 100644
--- a/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIParameter.java
+++ b/src/jcgp/gui/settings/parameters/GUIParameter.java
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import javafx.geometry.Pos;
 import javafx.scene.control.Control;
 import javafx.scene.control.Tooltip;
 import javafx.scene.layout.HBox;
+import javafx.scene.layout.Priority;
 import javafx.scene.text.Text;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.BooleanParameter;
 import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.DoubleParameter;
@@ -18,7 +19,25 @@ import jcgp.backend.resources.parameters.ParameterStatus;
 import jcgp.gui.GUI;
 import jcgp.gui.settings.SettingsPane;
 
-public abstract class GUIParameter extends HBox {
+/**
+ * 
+ * This is the base class for all GUIParameters. Using the factory method GUIParameter.create()
+ * generates an appropriate instance of this class for the specified parameter.
+ * <br><br>
+ * GUIParameter is an HBox containing a Text for the parameter name and a Control for interaction.
+ * It stores an instance of its associated Parameter object and also contains a Tooltip for 
+ * displaying status information.
+ * <br><br>
+ * Monitor parameters have their Control disabled so that no changed can be made via the GUI.
+ * Non-monitor parameters are updated automatically as well, but may be changed by the user
+ * if the program is not evolving.
+ * <br><br>
+ * For more information on how parameters work in JCGP, see {@link Parameter}.
+ * 
+ * @author Eduardo Pedroni
+ * @param <T> the parameter data type
+ */
+public abstract class GUIParameter<T> extends HBox {
 	
 	public static final String BASE_TEXT_STYLE = "-fx-border-color: #C9C9C9; -fx-border-radius: 2; -fx-padding: 0; ";
 	public static final String BASE_CHECKBOX_STYLE = "-fx-padding: 0; ";
@@ -26,66 +45,204 @@ public abstract class GUIParameter extends HBox {
 	public static final String INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE = "-fx-background-color: " + GUI.BAD_SELECTION_COLOUR;
 	public static final String WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE = "-fx-background-color: " + GUI.NEUTRAL_SELECTION_COLOUR;
 	public static final String VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE = "-fx-background-color: " + GUI.NEUTRAL_COLOUR;	
-		
-	protected Parameter parameter;
-	protected Text name;
-	protected Control valueControl;
+	
+	private Text name;
+	private Control valueControl;
 	
 	protected Tooltip tooltip;
+	protected Parameter<T> parameter;
+	
+	/** This is the lock used to prevent more than one update task to be scheduled
+	 *  at the same time on the same GUIParameter. */
+	private AtomicBoolean updateLock = new AtomicBoolean(false);
 	
-	protected AtomicBoolean updateCheck = new AtomicBoolean(true);
+	/**
+	 * This value is used to assert whether the control has changed values since 
+	 * the program last ran. Therefore, it is updated whenever a generation occurs
+	 * or the experiment is reset.
+	 */
+	private T referenceValue;
 	
-	protected GUIParameter() {
+	/**
+	 * This protected constructor contains the common elements to all GUIParameters
+	 * and should be invoked by any subclasses using super().
+	 * 
+	 * @param parameter a Parameter for which to generate a GUIParameter
+	 * @param sp a reference to the SettingsPane
+	 */
+	protected GUIParameter(Parameter<T> parameter, final SettingsPane sp) {
+		this.parameter = parameter;
+		this.referenceValue = parameter.get();
+		
 		setAlignment(Pos.CENTER_LEFT);
 		setSpacing(5);
 		
+		name = new Text(parameter.getName());
+		// set text width to half of the total width of the GUIParameter
+		name.wrappingWidthProperty().bind(widthProperty().divide(2));
+		// allow the text to grow to always fill half of the GUIParameter
+		
+		// the tooltip is the hover-over label containing status information, when appropriate
 		tooltip = new Tooltip();
 		tooltip.setStyle("-fx-background-color: white; -fx-border-color: black; .page-corner {-fx-background-color: transparent;}");
 		tooltip.setSkin(null);
+		
+		
+		valueControl = makeControl();
+		setHgrow(valueControl, Priority.ALWAYS);
+		
+		// if the parameter is a monitor, it should be permanently disabled
+		valueControl.setDisable(parameter.isMonitor());
+		
+		// bind to parameter value property in a thread-safe way
+		makeThreadSafeBinding();
+		
+		// if parameter is not a monitor, make sure the control is constrained appropriately
+		if (!parameter.isMonitor()) {
+			setControlListeners(sp);
+		}
+		
+		getChildren().addAll(name, valueControl);
 	}
 	
-	protected final void makeLightBinding() {
+	/**
+	 * Factory method to create GUIParameters from Parameters. 
+	 * Use this to create an appropriate GUIParameter from any instance of Parameter,
+	 * rather than manually downcasting the Parameter object every time.
+	 * 
+	 * @param parameter a Parameter for which to generate a GUIParameter
+	 * @param sp a reference to the SettingsPane
+	 * @return an appropriate instance of GUIParameter
+	 */
+	public static GUIParameter<?> create(Parameter<?> parameter, SettingsPane sp) {
+		if (parameter instanceof IntegerParameter) {
+			return new GUIIntegerParameter((IntegerParameter) parameter, sp);
+		} else if (parameter instanceof DoubleParameter) {
+			return new GUIDoubleParameter((DoubleParameter) parameter, sp);
+		} else if (parameter instanceof BooleanParameter) {
+			return new GUIBooleanParameter((BooleanParameter) parameter, sp);
+		} else {
+			throw new ClassCastException("No GUIParameter subclass exists for argument of type " + parameter.getClass());
+		}
+	}
+
+	/**
+	 * Parameters are intended to communicate information from the experiment
+	 * to the GUI. Since the experiment runs on a separate threads and it is illegal
+	 * to modify JavaFX objects from outside the JavaFX Application thread, this
+	 * special ChangeListener updates the GUIParameter in a safe way.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * Note that this is applied to all parameters regardless of whether they are 
+	 * monitors or not; the only difference between monitor and non-monitor parameters
+	 * is that monitor parameters cannot be modified from the GUI.
+	 */
+	private void makeThreadSafeBinding() {
 		parameter.valueProperty().addListener(new ChangeListener<Object>() {
 			@Override
 			public void changed(
 					ObservableValue<? extends Object> observable,
 					Object oldValue, Object newValue) {
-				if (updateCheck.getAndSet(false)) {
-					Platform.runLater(new Runnable() {
-						@Override
-						public void run() {
-							updateCheck.set(true);
-							refreshValue();
-						}
-					});
+				// only do this if the experiment is running
+				if (GUI.isWorking()) {
+					/* here's the catch - atomically get the lock state and set it to true
+					 * the lock will only be false again when the runnable is finished executing, 
+					 * preventing multiple runnables to concurrently update the same GUIParameter
+					 */
+					if (!updateLock.getAndSet(true)) {
+						Platform.runLater(new Runnable() {
+							@Override
+							public void run() {
+								refreshValue();
+								updateLock.set(false);
+							}
+						});
+					}
 				}
 			}
 		});
 	}
 	
-	public abstract void refreshValue();
-	
-	public abstract boolean requiresReset();
-	
-	public abstract void applyValue();
-	
-	public abstract void validate();
+	/**
+	 * @return true if the current value of the parameter does not prevent the 
+	 * experiment from running.
+	 */
+	public boolean isValid() {
+		return parameter.getStatus() != ParameterStatus.INVALID;
+	}
 	
-	public static GUIParameter create(Parameter parameter, SettingsPane sp) {
-		if (parameter instanceof IntegerParameter) {
-			return new GUIIntegerParameter((IntegerParameter) parameter, sp);
-		} else if (parameter instanceof DoubleParameter) {
-			return new GUIDoubleParameter((DoubleParameter) parameter, sp);
-		} else if (parameter instanceof BooleanParameter) {
-			return new GUIBooleanParameter((BooleanParameter) parameter, sp);
-		} else {
-			throw new ClassCastException("No GUIParameter subclass exists for argument of type " + parameter.getClass());
-		}
+	/**
+	 * Force the parameter to validate its current value, and apply the associated
+	 * style to the GUIParameter.
+	 */
+	public void validate() {
+		parameter.validate(parameter.get());
+		refreshValue();
+		setValidityStyle();
 	}
 	
-	public boolean isValid() {
-		return parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.VALID
-				|| parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING
+	/**
+	 * Certain parameter changes might require the experiment to be reset, either
+	 * because the parameter is critical or because its status requires a reset.
+	 * 
+	 * @return true if an experiment reset is required due to this parameter changing.
+	 */
+	public boolean requiresReset() {
+		return (parameter.isCritical() && !parameter.get().equals(referenceValue))
 				|| parameter.getStatus() == ParameterStatus.WARNING_RESET;
 	}
+	
+	/**
+	 * Set the current parameter value as the reference value of the GUIParameter.
+	 * The new reference value will be used to determine the validity of the parameter, 
+	 * should its value change.
+	 */
+	public void applyValue() {
+		referenceValue = parameter.get();
+	}
+	
+	/* 
+	 * The following prototypes are instance-dependent and are called from
+	 * GUIParameter() as necessary.
+	 */
+	/**
+	 * This method returns the Control object used to control the parameter.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * Implementations of GUIParameter must override this method and return 
+	 * a control appropriate to the type of parameter. This will typically be
+	 * done by referencing the protected field GUIParameter.parameter.
+	 * 
+	 * @return the Control object to be added to the GUIParameter.
+	 */
+	protected abstract Control makeControl();
+	
+	/**
+	 * Adds the necessary handlers to the Control object in order to modify
+	 * the underlying parameter. This will typically consist of filtering key
+	 * presses to ensure no invalid characters are inserted, applying the new 
+	 * value to the underlying parameter and revalidating the parameters to
+	 * reflect the changes made.
+	 * 
+	 * @param settingsPane the parent Pane on which revalidateParameters() should
+	 * be called.
+	 */
+	protected abstract void setControlListeners(SettingsPane settingsPane);
+	
+	/**
+	 * This method is called to style the GUIParameter according to the status of
+	 * the parameter, which can be obtained with parameter.getStatus(). While the
+	 * subclass is free to style itself in any way, the CSS strings defined here 
+	 * (INVALID_PARAMETER_STYLE, WARNING_PARAMETER_STYLE, VALID_PARAMETER_STYLE)
+	 * provide a way to keep the GUI consistent.
+	 * 
+	 * TODO update this if the strings are externalised
+	 * 
+	 * @see ParameterStatus
+	 */
+	protected abstract void setValidityStyle();
+	
+	/**
+	 * Update the control so it shows the correct value of the parameter. This method
+	 * is used exclusively by the thread-safe binding created if the module is a monitor.
+	 */
+	protected abstract void refreshValue();
 }