## org.apache.commons.math.optimization.linear
Interface LinearOptimizer

All Known Implementing Classes:
  AbstractLinearOptimizer, SimplexSolver

    public interface LinearOptimizer

This interface represents an optimization algorithm for linear problems.

Optimization algorithms find the input point set that either `maximize or minimize` an objective function. In the linear case the form of the function is restricted to

     c1x1 + ... cnxn = v

and there may be linear constraints too, of one of the forms:

- c1x1 + ... cnxn = v
- c1x1 + ... cnxn <= v
- c1x1 + ... cnxn >= v
- l1x1 + ... lnxn + lcst = r1x1 + ... rnxn + rcst
- l1x1 + ... lnxn + lcst <= r1x1 + ... rnxn + rcst
- l1x1 + ... lnxn + lcst >= r1x1 + ... rnxn + rcst

where the ci, li or ri are the coefficients of the constraints, the xi are the coordinates of the current point and v is the value of the constraint.

Since:
  2.0
Version:
  $Revision: 811685 $ $Date: 2009-09-05 13:36:48 -0400 (Sat, 05 Sep 2009) $

Method Summary
`int` `getIterations()` Get the number of iterations realized by the algorithm.
`int` `getMaxIterations()` Get the maximal number of iterations of the algorithm.
`RealPointValuePair` `optimize(LinearObjectiveFunction f, java.util.Collection<LinearConstraint> constraints, GoalType goalType, boolean restrictToNonNegative)` Optimizes an objective function.
`void` `setMaxIterations(int maxIterations)` Set the maximal number of iterations of the algorithm.

Method Detail

### setMaxIterations

    void setMaxIterations(int maxIterations)

  Set the maximal number of iterations of the algorithm.

  Parameters:
    `maxIterations` - maximal number of function calls

### getMaxIterations

    int getMaxIterations()

  Get the maximal number of iterations of the algorithm.

  Returns:
    maximal number of iterations

### getIterations

    int getIterations()

  Get the number of iterations realized by the algorithm.

  The number of evaluations corresponds to the last call to the `optimize` method. It is 0 if the method has not been called yet.

  Returns:
    number of iterations

### optimize

    RealPointValuePair optimize(LinearObjectiveFunction f,
                                java.util.Collection<LinearConstraint> constraints,
                                GoalType goalType,
                                boolean restrictToNonNegative)
                                throws OptimizationException

  Optimizes an objective function.

  Parameters:
    `f` - linear objective function
    `constraints` - linear constraints
    `goalType` - type of optimization goal: either `GoalType.MAXIMIZE` or `GoalType.MINIMIZE`
    `restrictToNonNegative` - whether to restrict the variables to non-negative values
  Returns:
    point/value pair giving the optimal value for objective function
  Throws:
    `OptimizationException` - if no solution fulfilling the constraints can be found in the allowed number of iterations

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