Alternatively, the superfast traversal, optimisation, novelty, exploration and discovery algorithm (STONED) leverages molecular diversity through the use of SELFIES. In contrast to the more traditionally used SMILES, SELFIES can be mutated arbitrarily at any position in the string to produce new strings that represent valid molecular structures. The STONED algorithm uses this property of SELFIES to preserve diversity in its population. By varying the position of modification within the string, the algorithm balances exploration and exploitation to avoid stagnation in low-performing valleys or local optima.