Computer-assisted mathematical programming (modelling) system: CAMPS

Abstract

A Computer-Assisted Mathematical Programming (Modelling) System (CAMPS) is described in this paper. The system uses program-generator techniques for model creation and contrasts with earlier approaches, which use a special-purpose language to construct models. Thus no programming skill is required to formulate a model. In designing the system we have first analysed the salient components of the mathematical programming modelling activity. A mathematical programming model is usually constructed by progressive definition of dimensions, data tables, model variables, model constraints and the matrix coefficients which connect the last two entities. Computer assistance is provided to structure the data and the resulting model in the above sequence. In addition to this novel feature and the automatic documentation facility, the system is in line with recent developments, and incorporates a friendly and flexible user interface. © 1988 The British Computer Society.