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I would like to code some IP/MIP models in python and test them with an open-source solver. As of now, I only know the Cbc - COIN-OR open-source solver.

I have already tried the or-tools interface, unfortunately, its capabilities are restricted (e.g., linear expressions are not possible).

I have also tried to install the COIN-OR CyLP Interface both in Win10 and Linux Ubuntu without any success.

Are there any interfaces that offer an OR-Tools similar experience?

Laurent Perron
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Georgios
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  • PuLP (https://pypi.org/project/PuLP/) is a very (very) good option. – Kuifje Jan 08 '20 at 17:06
  • The MiniZinc Interface is also quite powerful. Moreover, there is in coursera a course about it https://www.coursera.org/learn/basic-modeling. – Georgios Jan 13 '20 at 18:15

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There are several packages I can think of with an interface to CBC:

EhsanK
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  • I also found MiniZinc although it only has Constraint Programming examples. Which one of the three you mentioned would you recommend? – Georgios Jan 11 '20 at 17:51
  • Also from the three interfaces, you mentioned the MIP is beautifully documented. – Georgios Jan 11 '20 at 18:46
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    I came to know Pulp before the other two and I've used it more. Also, Pulp syntax resembles gurobi which definitely made it easier for me and I think it's easy to learn for anyone. Pyomo is definitely the richest, with object-oriented style and feel, and well maintained. So, I incline to say it's the most robust. I've not had the chance to use MIP myself and I heard about it from others, but I agree with your statement about its documentation. – EhsanK Jan 11 '20 at 19:50