Multiple-access codes are generated using an asymptotically optimal decoding algorithm, such as the Viterbi algorithm. A trellis may be constructed using a number of desired users, at least one code length, and a number of code-chip parameters. A fitness function is derived from a mathematical relationship between the multiple-access codes, and may include some measure of correlation of the codes. The multiple-access codes correspond to paths having optimal path metrics derived from the fitness function. Multiple iterations through the trellis may be performed to refine a selection of multiple-access codes.