What is OPL?
OPL is a programming language created by Pascal Van Hentenryck . It provides a syntax allowing the definition of a problem model with the goal of assigning values to variables in the context of constraints that determine permissible values. The models consist primarily of variables, constraints to restrict values in the variables, and the ability to combine multiple AI / OR techniques to solve the problem. OPL variables can be assigned either numeric or string values. The variables are initialized by declaring what values might be assigned to the variable such as “X can be assigned a value between 0 and 1 million”. Constraints can be defined on the variables such as “X + Y < 100" in order to restrict the values that may be assigned to the variable. OPL also allows the developer to indicate whether all possible solutions to the problem should be determined or if a specific solution should be located. Specific solutions are requested by declaring a goal such as "maximize the value of Y".
