How does AMPL compare to other modeling languages and systems?
AMPL is one of several optimization modeling systems that are designed around specialized algebraic modeling languages. These languages employ adaptations of familiar mathematical notation to describe optimization problems as • the minimization or maximization of algebraic expressions in numerical decision variables, • subject to constraints expressed as equalities or inequalities between algebraic expressions in the decision variables. Advanced interpreters and interfaces for these languages provide support for simplifying and analyzing models. Some also provide language extensions for describing algorithmic schemes that attack difficult problems by alternately solving interrelated subproblems. Some of the other commercially distributed algebraic modeling languages are: • GAMS, one of the first such languages, now widely used in a number of industries. • MGG, another early language with a long history of support. • LINGO, a more powerful sibling of the LINDO language widely used in el
