Replying to Finding maximum of a function with 10+ variables

so hello,

i wont make an account in a maths forum, and if someone knows a thing or two about algorithms to find extremas because he is studying physics, informatics or maths, i might be able to find the solution after getting the right keywords.

the specific problem is to maximize a function with at least 8 variables (can be up to 20). exact differentials are not available.

this is for a potentially commercial application, so any constructive and helpful PM could be rewarded whenever someone is dumb enough to pay me money for it.

right now i am maximizing the function with a random-iteration thingy, but that takes waaaaaay to long.

thx, and again, if you know anything about it, PM me.