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Second Generation Constraint Programming Technology
Global Constraints
This concept, initiated by COSYTEC, is characterized
by
- a high level of abstraction which allows the modeling of problems
in a very concise yet natural and realistic way,
- great improvement of performance (both time and space)
Consequently, several problem types, considered
unsolvable so far can be handled now very efficiently. Furthermore,
code size being very small, application support and enhancement
is greatly simplified, leading to improvement of overall productivity
in software development.
On the other hand, global constraints can also
be considered as reusable software bricks, which can be combined
to make modules specific to each problem. These bricks can be used
to build very quickly applications in areas such as production scheduling,
logistics or manpower planning.
The Global Constraint concept is now widely accepted worldwide.
Open Architecture
The headway gained by global constraints is made
available in a unique kernel, as depicted by the caption CHIP V5
in the Figure 2. It contains a constraint modeling language,
together with three solvers (i.e. rationals, finite-domains
and global constraints). Three versions of CHIP are currently available:
- CHIP++: supporting a high-level declarative programming language,
integrated within a complete development environment, and thus
allowing Rapid Application Development
- CHIP-C: supporting C programming language, thus allowing the
Constraint Programming technology to be used with existing code
and practices (make, SCCS, etc.)
- CHIP-C++: supporting C++ programming language, thus allowing
construction of new reusable software modules in the object-oriented
fashion
CHIP V5 is now available on UNIX, Linux and Windows XP-2000
platforms.
Connection with XPRESS-MP
The leading edge XPRESS-MP Linear Programming engine from DashOptimization is fully integrated with CHIP V5.
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