IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INTEGER OPTIMIZATION PLATFORM USING OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING

A wide range of integer optimization formulations have been successful ly used in a variety of applications dealing with distribution, produc tion, finance, and a host of other areas. Since the general integer op timization problem is NP-complete, specialized theory and techniques h ave evolved to utilize the special structures in individual applicatio ns. This has led to different categories and sub-categories of techniq ues that need to be evaluated in selecting a solution strategy for a n ew integer optimization formulation. The availability of computer pack ages or callable libraries for only a few techniques results in the ne ed to either modify an existing code or implement a new code from scra tch. This article illustrates the utility of object oriented programmi ng methodology in implementing a modular, reusable library of techniqu es that can be extended easily to develop code for solving new integer optimization formulations. The flexibility in the library allows for easy customization of existing techniques for new applications as well as development of new techniques that utilize the code in the existin g library. The ease of customization or reusability of this library is depicted by comparing it with the code written in conventional progra mming languages, such as Fortran or C. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.